How a General Dentist Treats Gingivitis

A general dentist can help you with gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontitis. Treatment must happen right away to stop it from progressing. The general dentist will review the patient's medical and dental history, examine the gums for signs of inflammation, and perform a professional cleaning (scaling) to remove tartar and plaque buildup. In mild cases, a thorough professional cleaning followed by improved home care is enough to reverse gingivitis. In more advanced cases, more frequent cleanings, antibiotics, or referral to a periodontist may be needed. Gingivitis is reversible when caught early.