Brushing often takes front and center stage when we think about dental and oral hygiene. However, flossing teeth is just as important as brushing. Instead of looking at flossing as just an addition to brushing, consider it an equal step in your daily dental hygiene routine.

Here’s what you need to know about flossing, including how often you should floss and whether you can floss improperly. We’ll also discuss the best flossing technique so that you do the job right.

Why should I floss?

Flossing is a critical part of preventive dental care. The mouth is home to millions of bacteria. No matter how well you brush your teeth, bacteria, plaque, and food debris get trapped between them. Because floss goes between the teeth, it’s able to reach all the areas that your toothbrush can’t get to.

Flossing also helps to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Removing plaque is important. If left on the teeth, plaque hardens and turns to tartar. Leaving plaque on your teeth and in your mouth can lead to all sorts of oral hygiene issues, including:

• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Tooth stains
• Irritated gums

Plaque can also cause gingivitis, known as early gum disease. This condition causes the gums to become red and swollen. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This condition destroys the bone and tissue that support the teeth. Weakened teeth are more likely to break or fall out.

While flossing may seem like not a big deal, not flossing can have serious consequences.

How often should I floss?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend flossing at least once per day. Doing so removes bacteria, plaque, and food debris. Daily flossing helps to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.

Is it safe to floss multiple times a day? Yes, there’s no harm in flossing more than once a day. However, instead of focusing on the number of times you floss, it’s better to focus on how well you’re flossing.

Good flossing takes more than a few seconds. Quickly flossing several times throughout the day isn’t doing much good. Chances are that you’re leaving plaque and bacteria behind. For best results, floss slowly and methodically.

How often should I floss with braces?

You want to floss at least once per day to ensure the area between your teeth is free of bacteria, plaque, and food debris. If you need to floss more often, that’s okay as well.

Flossing with braces can be tricky, especially if the floss gets stuck in your braces.

For a smooth flossing experience:

• Use waxed floss or dental tape
• Use at least 18 inches of floss
• Thread floss under the main wire then pass between the teeth
• Move the floss up and down gently to avoid snapping it

It takes a little time and practice to perfect flossing with braces, but eventually it becomes second nature.

You may consider finding a dentist near you to provide in-person tips and tricks.

Should I floss before or after brushing?

The order in which you brush and floss isn’t important. What is important is that you’re thoroughly cleaning your teeth, including all the crevices.

Research has found that it may be better to floss before brushing. According to a 2018 study, flossing loosens bacteria and debris between the teeth. Brushing afterwards helps to clean all those particles away.

Brushing after flossing also increases fluoride concentration. Fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel, which minimizes the risk of tooth decay.

At the end of the day, flossing first or brushing first are both acceptable. It all comes down to your personal preference.

Can I floss too deeply?

If you experience swollen, painful, or bleeding gums after flossing, you may be flossing too deeply.

Applying too much pressure when flossing can cause the gums to bleed. Continuous over-flossing can severely damage the gum line. This can expose the tooth’s root and lead to cavities and decay.

Flossing improperly, such as using a saw-like motion, is also problematic. Rough flossing can wear the tooth’s enamel, which makes you more susceptible to gum disease.

Can I floss too much?

It’s impossible to floss too much unless you’re flossing incorrectly. In fact, some people need to floss more than once a day, especially after eating. Certain foods are more prone to getting stuck in the teeth and flossing is the best way to remove food debris.

Unsure if you’re flossing properly? Schedule a dentist appointment and ask for a demonstration during your next visit.

What is the best flossing technique?

Now that you know why flossing is important and how often you should floss, let’s discuss the right way to do it.

1. Break off 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around your middle fingers leaving 1-2 inches in the middle.
2. Keep the floss tight by using your thumbs and index fingers.
3. Slide the floss between two teeth.
4. Gently slide the floss up and down, rubbing against both sides of each tooth. Avoid pushing the floss into your gums.
5. As the floss nears your gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth. This forms a C shape and allows the floss to go between your gums and tooth.
6. Move from tooth to tooth and repeat these steps. Use a clean section of floss for each next pair of teeth.

By flossing properly once a day, you can have peace of mind that you’re doing your part to protect your oral and dental health.

Are there alternatives to flossing?

Flossing cleans between the teeth. It helps to remove plaque, bacteria, and other debris, such as food particles. There are other interdental cleaning options, including:

• Dental tape
• Water flossers
• Pre-threaded flossers
• Plastic or wooden picks
• Flossing brushes

While you may prefer one option over the other, what’s most important is that you find one you like and use it daily.

Schedule routine appointments with the dentist

Brushing and flossing at home is only one step in keeping your smile healthy. You will also want to schedule routine appointments with your dentist for preventative care. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth while also giving you a deep clean.

Don’t wait to get in the dentist’s chair. Find a dentist and schedule an appointment today to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

The post How often should I floss? Learn the best way to improve your oral health appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

Dental health is vital to your overall well-being. However, few people know much about the various types of dental insurance, how they work, or how to leverage them to keep their dental and overall health in good shape.

In fact, about 28 percent of Americans don’t have any dental insurance at all. Among those who do have it, many make costly mistakes with how they use it.

So let us guide you through how dental insurance works, understanding dental insurance billing and plans, and the questions you need to ask yourself to make sure you choose the best option for yourself and/or your loved ones.

How Does Dental Insurance Work: What’s Covered, What’s Not

In America, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) doesn’t provide dental coverage for adults and there are no penalties for not having it. This is because health insurance and dental insurance are entirely separate from each other. In some ways these types of insurance are similar, but there are also distinct differences in how coverage works.

Dental insurance policies can vary widely depending on the provider. You pay a premium based on the type of plan you choose and where you’re located. Many people pay around $50 per month. You may also have a deductible to pay before your insurance pays for any procedures.

In general, dental insurance breaks procedures into three categories: Preventative, basic, and major.

Usually, preventative care—such as twice annual cleanings, checkups, and x-rays—are completely covered with insurance. Sometimes the wording may be explicit about paying for a preventative visit every six months (but not closer together), while other policies may be more lenient within a 12-month period.

Basic procedures like silver fillings, root canals, or dentures are often 80 percent covered. You’re only covered 50 percent for major procedures, which may include crowns (which you typically get after a root canal), implants, and more. You cover the remaining costs out of pocket. The balance you pay is called coinsurance. At the time of the procedure, you may also have a copay. A copay is a set dollar amount you contribute.

However, there’s a bit more to dental insurance than just the 100-80-50 structure and your premiums.

First of all, most dental insurances have a waiting period of six to twelve months (or more) before they will cover anything besides preventative care. Periodontics and prosthodontics might not be available in your first year. If you need a major procedure just a few months after signing up for dental insurance, they likely won’t help with any of the costs. Also note that dental plans may not cover any pre-existing conditions.

A significant way in which dental insurance is different than health insurance is how annual maximums work. Whereas your health insurance might cover all costs after your deductible, dental insurance doesn’t work this way. Dental insurance has an annual maximum of what it will pay, which is typically around $1000-$1500 per year. After that, you pay out of pocket for all costs until the next calendar year. All of the costs mentioned are for during regular business hours. Prices may vary for after-hours visits or urgent care.

Dental insurance will not cover any cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic procedures may include teeth whitening, veneers, tooth shaping, and gum contouring. Some policies cover braces, but others require a rider. A rider doesn’t come with a basic insurance policy, but is instead a provision that adds benefits or amends the terms of the policy.

Different Types of Dental Insurance

Dental insurance prices vary depending on where you live as well as which type of dental insurance you choose. The plan you choose will affect your premiums, which dentists are covered, and the percentage of procedure costs you’ll pay.

Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)

DHMOs, also referred to as Dental HMOs, work similarly to a health insurance HMO.

This type of plan provides a network of dentists who accept the plan for a set copay or no fee. Members receive discounted rates for services and this type of plan typically has the lowest premiums, no deductibles, and no annual fee. Depending on the plan, your waiting period for major dental work may be short or nonexistent. The most significant downside to a DHMO is you’re unlikely to be allowed to see an out-of-network dentist.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

PPO insurance usually has a broader network of approved dentists than a DHMO plan. You can choose to see a dentist outside the network, but it costs more. In exchange for more dental options, members pay higher premiums and deductibles. PPOs often have a maximum amount they’ll reimburse each year and some have a waiting period before coverage starts.

Point of Service Plans (POS)

A POS plan combines elements of an HMO plan and a PPO plan. The plan allows the use of out-of-network services, but the benefits are much less than if you use an in-network provider. Your benefits are determined at the time of service, depending on whether the dentist is in the network or not.

Dental Indemnity Insurance

Indemnity dental insurance, also referred to as “fee-for-service,” is usually only available to groups of people through workplaces. Your chosen plan reimburses a percentage of the dental provider’s fee. This type of insurance typically covers the broadest range of procedures, but they still have a few exceptions. The good news is that they usually have lower deductibles and higher maximum coverage limits than other plans. However, you have to pay a deductible upfront and your premiums tend to be higher.

Table or Schedule of Allowances Plans

These are indemnity plans that pay a predetermined dollar amount for each of your procedures—no matter what the actual charges are. On your end, you pay the difference between the charged fee and the carrier’s payment. Sometimes your plan is paired with a PPO to limit how much the dentists are allowed to charge.

Direct Reimbursement

Unlike how other plans focus on the type of treatments you receive, this insurance bases your benefits on dollars spent. This self-funded (or employer-funded) plan allows you to choose what dentist you want to see. Depending on the terms of the policy you choose, you either pay the dentist directly or your benefit is assigned to the dental office. You then sometimes submit a paid receipt or other proof of treatment. Finally, you’re reimbursed a percentage of the dental costs.

Dental Discount Plans

Technically, dental discount plans aren’t a type of insurance, but they do save you money on dental care. You pay a fixed annual fee and in return receive a predetermined discount off the standard price of the dental treatment. In most cases, your annual fee covers your preventative cleanings and checkups as well. Dental discount plans have a much simpler structure than insurance plans, so you don’t have a lot of paperwork to complete and instead receive your discount right away. These plans used to be sold only to individuals, but it’s becoming more popular for employers to purchase these plans for company employees as well.

Why You Should Always Try to Choose an In-Network Dentist

Several types of insurance plans will charge you more money if you use an out-of-network dentist rather than an in-network one. An in-network dentist is one who has an agreement about the terms and provisions with your dental insurance provider.

This agreement means the procedural fees are set and you have a better idea of what you’ll end up paying—which is usually less with an in-network dentist.

The majority of dental offices will accept your insurance even if they aren’t in network. This can result in you paying far more than anticipated. They don’t have any agreements with your insurance on what appropriate prices are for procedures. If they decide to charge more than your insurance expects, you’re the one who has to make up the difference out of pocket.

Questions to Consider When Choosing Dental Insurance

Several factors affect which type of dental insurance is best fitted to your situation.

In most cases, dental benefits from an employer are an affordable, easy choice. However, this isn’t an option for all people. Ask yourself these questions when you need to choose a dental insurance plan on your own:

• Is there a specific dentist or specialist I want to see?

• What is the annual maximum?

• What is the deductible (if any)?

• Is there a waiting period for coverage?

• What is the copay percentage?

• Are there limitations for pre-existing conditions?

• Is there emergency treatment coverage?

If you’re considering investing in dental insurance, it’s essential to understand how it works. Knowing the key differences between types of dental insurance plans, and choosing the best option for you, could end up saving you a significant amount of money.

In some situations, dental insurance may end up not saving you money at all. It’s always worth the time to research which plan would likely benefit you most. No matter which type of dental insurance you choose (if any at all), the best way to save money on dental care is to keep your mouth healthy. Make sure to brush, floss, and visit a dentist regularly.

The post How does dental insurance work? An overview of coverage appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

Cat got your tongue? Or is it just that your jaw joint hurts so much you aren’t feeling very chatty?

Approximately 12% of people in the US are dealing with temporomandibular joint disorders at any one time. That mouthful of a term refers to the joint that makes it possible for you to eat, drink, and speak. Thankfully, most problems with this joint are temporary, but that may be only a small comfort when you’re in the midst of the problem.

What is TMJ?

Have you ever seen one of those singing and dancing skeletons at Halloween? Then you’ve already seen the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in action. We all have two of these joints, one on either side of the head. They are located where the mandible (jawbone) meets the temporal bones of the skull, which are located around and in front of your ears. This is where that ridiculously long name comes from. 

It is a synovial joint, which means that it has synovial fluid to cushion movement. It is also a double joint, which means there are two separate synovial cavities. 

The TMJ allows for movement side-to-side, forward and back, as well as hinging up and down.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorders?

People with TMJ disorders (TMD) may experience a number of symptoms including:

• Jaw or jaw muscle tenderness
• Jaw stiffness, especially in the morning
• Jaw pain when eating or yawning
• Earache
• Facial pain
• Trouble opening and closing the mouth
• Inflammation around the joint
• Distinct clicking or popping noises when opening and closing the mouth
• Headaches
• Neckaches
• Toothaches or sensitive teeth with no other apparent causes
• Restricted joint movement or locking of the jaw

What causes TMJ disorders?

Women of child-bearing age are more than twice as likely to be affected by TMJ disorders. It is believed that higher levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone cause ligament laxity (more play in the joint) which can contribute to TMJ pain. 

Of course, that’s not all that can cause or contribute to TMD.

Arthritis

As an autoimmune disorder that causes your body to attack its own joints, rheumatoid arthritis can be the root cause of your TMJ pain. In a study of people with rheumatoid arthritis, nearly 93% of them were found to have problems with the TMJ.

Degenerative osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the TMJ. 

About 30% of people with psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory joint condition that can also affect the TMJ.

Dislocation or injury

Have you recently sustained a blow to the jaw or undergone extensive dental work? An injury such as a blow or excessive stretching can put too much strain on the joint and cause problems. 

Repetitive motion

Do you have a habit of biting your nails? Chewing gum frequently? Clenching or grinding your teeth? Some people unknowingly suffer from bruxism (nighttime tooth grinding). All of these can put undue stress on your TMJ and lead to issues.

Jaw misalignment

People with jaw misalignment issues often suffer from TMD. The inherent structure of the jaw is incorrect and since it doesn’t fit together well, it can cause pain. Find a dentist to help fix these issues and ease symptoms

Connective tissue diseases

Problems with the connective tissue can result in a jaw that is too loose or that is being pulled out of alignment. Any of these issues can result in TMJ pain.

Stress

Stress and anxiety can affect nearly every part and system of the body so we can’t leave out the jaw. Facial and neck tension, along with clenching the jaw can lead to jaw pain. 

Medications

TMJ can also be a side effect of various prescription medications. These include oral contraceptives, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.

How are TMJ disorders diagnosed?

If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms, the first step is to visit your doctor or dentist. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare professional and be sure to mention any other conditions, such as arthritis, that you may have. 

During the exam, your healthcare professional will examine your jaw and observe your range of motion. They will also listen closely and feel the joints as you open and close your mouth. 

At this point, if they suspect a problem, they may order tests to take a more thorough look. Dental x-rays can be used to examine the bones and teeth. For more detailed images of the bones, your doctor may order a CT scan. To take a closer look at the soft tissue of the joint, an MRI may be necessary.

Do TMJ disorders go away?

Symptoms of TMJ can come and go, prompting some people to just ignore the symptoms when they are present and be thankful when they go away. TMJ is also highly treatable with home remedies such as hot or ice packs, exercises, and relaxation techniques. Mild over-the-counter pain relievers can also be a quick way to dull the pain and go on about your way.

There is some debate among experts as to whether TMJ can actually go away on its own. For most people, it depends on what the base cause is of their discomfort. 

However, nearly everyone will benefit from treatment. TMJ is usually very responsive to various treatment options so there really is no reason not to seek out TMJ pain relief. 

Can a dentist help with TMJ?

If you are suffering from TMJ pain and have a dentist appointment coming up, be sure to mention it to your dentist. They can help in diagnosing your condition and if the underlying cause is dental in nature, may be able to help treat it.

If your TMJ issues are caused by a medical condition, they will likely refer you to a medical doctor for specialized medical advice. From there, your doctor will determine the best course of action based on your CT scan or MRI. 

Are TMJ disorders covered by dental or medical insurance?

Worried about paying for TMJ diagnosis and treatment? Don’t be. Most of the time, TMJ is covered by insurance. The only issue that arises is which insurance will cover it. There is sometimes debate about whether your dental or medical insurance will cover it. 

In most cases, medical insurance covers TMJ treatments. The reasoning behind this is that a joint is a joint no matter where it is located in the body. 

When should I see a dentist about TMJ?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ, don’t hesitate to seek help. If you think your problems are due to a dental issue rather than one of the other causes we’ve talked about, visiting a dentist may be the best first stop. 

Dentists can help with TMJ when it is caused by jaw misalignment or issues like jaw clenching and bruxism. They can put braces on your chompers to fix alignment problems or craft an oral appliance, often called a splint or a bite plate, that will inhibit your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth. 

Other treatments for TMJ include medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medication. 

Looking for a new dentist?

Tired of putting up with TMJ symptoms? Hopefully, we’ve helped you see that treatments for TMJ disorders aren’t anything too scary and can really improve your quality of life. 

Need to find a dentist near you to get started? Let us help! Our mission is to connect you with dental professionals who put your oral health and wellness first. Dental care is vital to your quality of life. Level up your oral health and wellness today!

The post Temporomandibular joint disorders: TMJ symptoms and treatment appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic truly changed dentistry. Life has definitely entered a period of adjusting to “the new normal.” People have been staying at home and social distancing from their family and friends. The mass lockdowns across North America really impacted patient flow to dental offices across the United States and Canada.

2021 is the year of regrowth and adjusting to the new normal. In the competitive field of dentistry, it’s important to stay ahead of the game. That’s why we put together this list of 101 dental office marketing ideas you should know to help grow your practice in 2021. —Remember: The more marketing you do , the more your practice will thrive.

What’s inside

Chapter 1 | Dental Office Marketing Ideas for Dentists Who Need to Attract New Patients

• How to Create a Top Dentistry Website
• Tips for Enriching Your Dentistry Blog
• How to Promote a Dentistry Practice on Social Media

Chapter 2 | Dental Office Marketing Ideas to Help Dentists Keep Their Patients Happy

• How to Design a Dental Waiting Room Patients Enjoy
• Ways to Make Wait Times More Enjoyable

Chapter 3 | Dental Office Marketing Tips for Providing Great Customer Service

• 3 tips for providing the best patient experience during COVID-19.

Let’s get started! Enter a few details below to unlock your free ultimate guide. Your download will start immediately upon submission.

*Check your spam folder if you don’t hear from us

The post 101 dental marketing tips your practice needs for 2021 appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

How often do you think about your chompers? Sure, you probably brush your teeth once or even twice a day like your mom taught you to do. But the reality is that most of us probably just expect our teeth to do their job and don’t waste time worrying about them — until they start to hurt. Gingivitis could be the cause of this pain.

This laid-back attitude about oral health has a scary impact. In the US, a country generally noted to have high hygiene and healthcare standards, an astonishing 47.2% of adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Up the age to 65, and that statistic shoots up to 70.1%! 

Our teeth could use a little more tender loving care than they are getting. 

Knowledge is power, and to help you on your quest to level up your oral wellness, we’ve got some information for you about gingivitis, the extremely common precursor to periodontal disease. Read on to learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for gingivitis. 

What Is Gingivitis?

What happens when you have a dirty mouth? No, not the kind that will have you adding to the swear jar. The actual dirty kind when you have that gross, sticky film on your teeth known as plaque.

Well, you might be okay for a few days, but let that plaque sit on your teeth for too long, and you’ll have a storm brewing in your mouth. Plaque both harbors bacteria and produces toxins that are harmful to your gums. 

Over not that much time, the presence of built-up plaque can lead to gingivitis — an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is concerning because it can lead to periodontal disease and, eventually, tooth loss if left untreated. 

It isn’t always easy to catch gingivitis because, in the beginning, stages it’s typically painless. Your gums may be tender, but it usually isn’t until the disease progresses that you start to feel outright pain.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Think that as long as your teeth look clean, they are clean? Think again. Plaque, the sticky stuff that is a happy home for bacteria, is invisible. Plaque that is not removed from your teeth will eventually form into tartar, a hard substance that is more difficult to remove and may require a visit to a friendly neighborhood dentist near you. 

This substance begins to irritate and cause inflammation in your gums — which is gingivitis. Left unchecked, dental caries (cavities) can result, and the gingivitis can advance into periodontal disease, which may mean you will eventually lose teeth and possibly part of your jawbone.

Though poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis, these other factors play a significant role as well:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Poor nutrition (particularly vitamin C deficiency)
• Certain medications (even over-the-counter ones)
• Chronic diseases (diabetes, cancer, HIV, etc.)
• Hormonal changes (including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, etc.)
• Stress 

What Is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both forms of periodontal disease, and some people may confuse them. The main difference is that periodontitis is a more advanced form of the disease that is non-reversible. Periodontitis involves bone loss, and once you’ve lost bone, you can’t get it back.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

Gingivitis symptoms are pretty easy to spot. They include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitive gums
• Receding gums
• Tooth pain/sensitivity
• Bad breath

How Can You Prevent Gingivitis?

The best prevention for gingivitis is to maintain a proper oral health routine. Be sure that you:

• Brush your teeth twice daily, paying special attention to the gum line
• Floss daily
• Check your gums in the mirror for early signs of inflammation
• Go in for regular dental visits
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Can Gingivitis Go Away on Its Own?

Depending on the cause of your gingivitis, it may go away on its own. For example, if hormonal changes or stress is the culprit behind your gum discomfort, then once those problems are solved, your gingivitis may clear up with them.

However, gingivitis isn’t likely to go away on its own without a proper oral care routine. If your gums remain inflamed for more than a few days, you should consider scheduling a dentist appointment.

How Can I Get Rid of Gingivitis Fast?

In some cases, learning how to get rid of gingivitis is as simple as stepping up your oral care routine. If you’ve been getting lazy (be honest!) about brushing your teeth, tighten up that ship. Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes. 

If you really want to go on the offense, brush your teeth after every meal or snack, and don’t forget to floss every day. It might seem a little inconvenient, but believe us when we say that brushing a few extra times is far less inconvenient than developing full-blown periodontal disease and having teeth fall out of your mouth!

You can also attack the bacterial invaders with a few home remedies that are sometimes effective for combating gingivitis. 

What Are Some Home Remedies for Gingivitis?

There are a few home remedies you can try to alleviate gingivitis quickly without a trip to the dentist. Here are some common methods:

• Saltwater rinse 2 to 3 times a day
• Herbal mouthwashes (tea tree oil, lemongrass oil, aloe vera, sage, etc.)
• Oil pulling (coconut, Arimedadi, etc.)
• Clove application (also helps with pain)
• Turmeric application

Of course, it is important to keep in mind that while home remedies may cure gingivitis in some cases, they are not a substitute for visiting the dentist. If you want to keep your pearly whites healthy your whole life, you need to regularly visit a dentist who can detect more serious issues before they fully develop.

How Do Dentists Treat Gingivitis?

Once your dentist diagnoses you with gingivitis, the first step in dealing with it is to do a full professional cleaning to remove all the plaque and bits of tartar hiding out amongst your teeth.

If necessary, your dentist will also perform a procedure called scaling and root planing. Under a local anesthetic, the dentist will scrape plaque and tartar out from above and below the gum line under a local anesthetic. They’ll also smooth out any rough spots on the teeth to remove areas where bacteria can congregate and allow the gums to reattach to the teeth smoothly. 

Your dentist will also check the “pocket depth” by inserting a dental probe into your gum line alongside your tooth. Healthy pockets should only be between 1 and 3 millimeters deep. Your dentist may also take some X-rays to ensure that you haven’t already begun to lose bone in areas that have deeper pockets. 

Deep pockets provide areas for bacteria to live and flourish. In some cases, the dentist will perform surgery to reduce the pockets’ size and prevent future gingivitis problems. 

Antibiotics may also be used either alone or in conjunction with surgery to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and stuck in the pockets. Your dentist may prescribe a mouth rinse or insert a tiny gelatin-filled chip in the pockets during surgery. The chip will release the antibiotics over seven days.

Is Gingivitis Reversible?

Thankfully, yes. Gingivitis is very common, with as many as 80% of people being affected by the disease at least once in their lifetime — even if they don’t know it. Though it is a warning flag of more serious diseases, gingivitis itself is not serious as long as you seek treatment for it promptly. 

As soon as you notice slightly inflamed or bleeding gums, step up your oral care habits. Brush after every meal and pay close attention to the gum line. Flossing before brushing helps to loosen bits of plaque trapped between your teeth. Also, keep in mind that flossing can cause your gums to bleed a little if you are not used to it. 

If your gingivitis persists, feel free to try a few of the home remedies we mentioned earlier. But don’t let it go on for weeks. If your efforts at home are not paying off quickly, don’t wait to see a dentist. There may be an underlying problem causing your gingivitis, like tough tartar that will require professional cleaning to remove. 

Where Can I Find a Dentist to Treat Gingivitis?

Need gingivitis treatment but don’t have a dentist? We can help! Our number goal is to ensure that you get the oral care you need to live a healthy, happy life. We network with skilled dentists all across North America to provide you with the perfect recommendation for your needs.

Don’t live with gingivitis and risk bone loss or losing your teeth later on. Find a dentist in your area and level up your oral wellness today

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