6 Mistakes to Avoid When Treating Gingivitis

Gingivitis is one of the most common oral diseases, especially in adults. It begins with inflammation of the gums, which is accompanied by redness, bleeding, and swelling. With timely and proper treatment, gingivitis can be managed entirely. However, in an attempt to get rid of the disease, many people make mistakes that only worsen the situation. In this article, we have gathered the six most common mistakes preventing you from effectively treating gingivitis.

1. Ignoring the first symptoms

Many people tend to underestimate the early signs of gingivitis, such as bleeding when brushing their teeth or bad breath. It seems like a small thing that will go away on its own. In fact, this is only the beginning of more serious problems. If you don't start treatment in time, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a disease that destroys the tissues that support the teeth. It is essential to understand that the sooner you contact a gum specialist, the easier the treatment will be.

2. Insufficient oral hygiene

Some people believe that brushing your teeth twice a day is enough. However, quality is more important than quantity. Incorrect brushing technique, using the wrong brush, or skipping hard-to-reach areas leads to the formation of plaque, which is the main cause of gingivitis. In addition, many forget to brush their tongue and use dental floss and mouthwash. All these elements together ensure comprehensive hygiene.

3. Self-medication without consulting a specialist

Some people believe that they can easily cure gingivitis at home: they rinse their mouth with soda, drink herbal teas, or buy OTC gels on the advice of friends. Although home remedies can provide temporary relief, they don't eliminate the cause of the inflammation. In addition, some of them can disrupt the acid-base balance in the oral cavity or cause allergic reactions. Treatment should be based on the diagnosis and recommendations of the dentist.

4. Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles

There is a common misconception that a toothbrush with stiff bristles removes plaque better. However, hard toothbrushes can damage the gums, especially if they are already inflamed. This leads to even more irritation, increased bleeding, and swelling. It is better to use a brush with soft or medium bristles and follow the correct brushing technique - light circular movements without strong pressure.

5. Stop treatment when symptoms disappear

Gingivitis is a complicated disease. Once treatment is started, symptoms can disappear quite quickly, within a few days. At this point, many people stop following the doctor's recommendations, believing that the disease has subsided. However, the absence of symptoms doesn't always mean a complete recovery. The inflammatory process may be long-lasting and discreet. Therefore, it is essential to complete the entire course of treatment, including follow-up dental care and preventive measures.

6. Refusal of professional teeth cleaning

Even with thorough oral hygiene at home, it is not always possible to completely remove tartar accumulation. These formations provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause gingivitis. Through professional cleaning at the dentist (ultrasound, air flow, polishing), you can eliminate the causes of gingivitis. However, some patients avoid this procedure because they consider it painful or unnecessary. In fact, it is necessary as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

The bottom line

Gingivitis is not just a temporary irritation of the gums, but a signal from the body about the beginning of an inflammatory process that can have serious consequences. By avoiding the above mistakes, you can speed up the healing process and prevent the development of more dangerous diseases. The main thing is not to self-medicate, not to postpone the visit to the dentist, and to follow all their recommendations. Only in this case will the treatment be effective, and the smile will be healthy and beautiful.