Gingivitis Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Healthy gums are the foundation of good oral health. And healthy gums shouldn’t bleed. While it’s true that occasional gum bleeding is common, if you’re noticing blood often when you brush, it could be a sign of gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to help treat and reverse gingivitis if you tackle it early. To do so, it’s important to first recognize the signs.

Signs of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria around, on, and between your teeth. This buildup leads to irritation, redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gum tissue — especially when you brush your teeth.

signs of gingivitis and inflamed gums

Gingivitis Treatment

It’s important to know that gingivitis is treatable and reversible. The key is to treat gingivitis promptly to help prevent it from progressing to a more serious issue. The following are some gingivitis treatments that can help you take control and help prevent or even reverse the condition:

small dental floss container with toothbrush

Good oral hygiene

The first step to treating gingivitis is to practice good, daily oral hygiene. That includes a regimen of brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush for 2 minutes twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, to effectively clean your teeth and gum line.

blue dental chair

Regular dental cleaning

Professional dental cleanings are a critical part of helping to prevent and treat gingivitis. A professional cleaning removes the plaque, tartar and bacteria on your teeth and above and below your gumline — much more effectively than you can on your own. Regular dentist visits also help in identifying the early stages of gum disease, since dentists and hygienists are trained to spot the signs and symptoms of gingivitis.

small tube of toothpaste

Gum-health toothpastes

When it comes to helping prevent or treat gingivitis, especially in its early stages, using a specialized toothpaste as part of your oral health routine can make a difference. Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum is specifically formulated to relieve tooth sensitivity and improve gum health at the same time. It uses a formula that contains stannous fluoride, a chemical compound that builds a protective layer over the sensitive areas of your teeth, while targeting and removing plaque bacteria associated with gingivitis. This helps improve gum health and reduce swollen, bleeding gums.

Including these practices as part of your oral health routine can help treat gingivitis and get your gum health back into good shape. The key is to recognize the signs early so you can begin taking control of the condition.