Gingivitis
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
Gum Disease Treatment at Southridge Dental
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. But it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease (periodontitis) and eventual tooth loss.
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Good oral health habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups, can help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Signs and Symptoms
Of Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease
The symptoms of gingivitis are somewhat nonspecific and manifest in the gum tissue as the classic signs of inflammation:
- Swollen gums
- Bright red or purple gums
- Gums that are tender or painful to the touch
- Bleeding gums or bleeding after brushing and/or flossing
- Bad breath (the dreaded Halitosis)
- Additionally, the stippling that normally exists on the gum tissue of some individuals will often disappear and the gums may appear shiny when the gum tissue becomes swollen and stretched over the inflamed underlying connective tissue. The accumulation may also emit an unpleasant odor. When the gingiva are swollen, the epithelial lining of the gingival crevice becomes ulcerated and the gums will bleed more easily with even gentle brushing, and especially when flossing.
Prevention of Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease:
Gingivitis can be prevented through regular oral hygiene that includes daily brushing and flossing (twice per day). Hydrogen peroxide, saline, alcohol or chlorhexidine mouth washes may also be employed. In a 2004 clinical study, the beneficial effect of hydrogen peroxide on gingivitis has been highlighted.
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease Treatment:
Treatment generally involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth, the focus of which is to remove plaque.
Therapy is aimed at the reduction of oral bacteria, and may take the form of regular periodic visits to a dental professional together with adequate oral hygiene home care. Thus, several of the methods used in the prevention of gingivitis can also be used for the treatment of manifest gingivitis, such as scaling, root planing, curettage, mouth washes containing chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, and flossing.
Powered toothbrushes work better than manual toothbrushes in reducing the disease.
Are your gums sore, red, swollen or are you experiencing bleeding after brushing or flossing? If so, it is imperative you give us a call and schedule an exam.
- Diana7/01/2022 - GoogleHands down THE BEST dental office I have ever been to! I highly recommend Southridge Dental. From the moment you... read moreHands down THE BEST dental office I have ever been to! I highly recommend Southridge Dental. From the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out, you will be treated so kindly! The receptionist is outgoing and friendly and will offer you treats like coffee, water, tea, juice and other assorted treats. The hygienist will offer you a choice of a warm neck roll, paraffin hand wax treatment, a warm blanket to name a few. Dr Simper will put you at ease and takes a lot in account regarding your individual treatment plan. You can tell that everyone who works here, loves their job! So glad I found a great dentist who is so close to where I live! read lessLisa P.6/29/2022 - GoogleFrom the front office staff, dental assistants, hygienists, and the dentists themselves everyone at Southridge is great! I've been there... read moreFrom the front office staff, dental assistants, hygienists, and the dentists themselves everyone at Southridge is great! I've been there for cleanings, dental work and even used their afterhours emergency line. Hands down the best dentist in TC. Dr Kayla always takes time to chat & remembers me (and my kiddos who she has never met!) from previous visits. They were able to use a pregnancy safe anesthesia when I needed some work done while pregnant as well. read lessKate H.6/28/2022 - GoogleI brought all 3 of my small children in for cleanings and check ups and it was the best experience... read moreI brought all 3 of my small children in for cleanings and check ups and it was the best experience we’ve at at a dentist with the kids! They were so kind, gentle and patient with them. No tears or fear. The dentist even told them drinking juice/soda was bad for their teeth and they haven’t asked for it since, huge win! I’m so happy Jess referred us here, we will definitely return in the future! read less
- Dana K.6/22/2022 - GoogleThis dentist is everything you hear! Amazing experience from the front desk to Sarah my hygienist to Dr Simper. I... read moreThis dentist is everything you hear! Amazing experience from the front desk to Sarah my hygienist to Dr Simper. I will never go anywhere else. They made me feel part of my dental plan, gave me amazing knowledge about my teeth and were positive during my entire time there. Thank you Southridge Dental team! read lessGabrielle T.6/09/2022 - GoogleSouthridge has been the best dentist and dental experience I have had in my entire life. Sarah my hygienist was... read moreSouthridge has been the best dentist and dental experience I have had in my entire life. Sarah my hygienist was kind, thorough, and gentle. Dr. Kayla was very professional and helpful with my future needed treatment and concerns. 10/10 would recommend to all and so happy to call them my new dental office. read lessAmanda R.5/24/2022 - GoogleGreat office with exceptional staff. My babysitter canceled last minute and I was able to bring her with me. They... read moreGreat office with exceptional staff. My babysitter canceled last minute and I was able to bring her with me. They gave her snacks and she was able to pick something out of the toy bin! The coolest thing for a young kid. Jessica is the best! 🤩 read less
- Kendra K.5/19/2022 - GoogleI absolutely love this office. They are friendly and efficient. Dr. Simper gets the job done and his assistants keep... read moreI absolutely love this office. They are friendly and efficient. Dr. Simper gets the job done and his assistants keep things moving right along. Jessica was awesome enough to take a picture with me to be entered in a drawing for an Amazon gift card. Highly recommend this place for all your Dental Needs!!!! Thank you everyone at South ridge Dental! read lessElizabeth P.5/17/2022 - GoogleEach and everyone of the staff members is so friendly and cares about you! Love this place. They pamper you... read moreEach and everyone of the staff members is so friendly and cares about you! Love this place. They pamper you and make you feel at ease. Listening to your concerns and feedback and making the whole experience relaxing and leave you feeling confident in your care. 10/10 recommend. read lessAreli L.4/28/2022 - GoogleI have been going here for the past 5 years! Highly recommend. The front desk is very welcoming! The professionalism... read moreI have been going here for the past 5 years! Highly recommend. The front desk is very welcoming! The professionalism and friendliness of the whole team is outstanding. Always have a great, smooth experience here. Dr. Safford is always attentive and informative. From my cleanings to emergency tooth surgery, I am glad it has been with them. read less