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.
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My recent experience with Southridge Dental was very good. The staff are very welcoming, helpful and positive. The office does... read moreMy recent experience with Southridge Dental was very good. The staff are very welcoming, helpful and positive. The office does a great job of Covid mitigation which made me feel safe. The Dr has always been kind and generous with his time and is excellent at his profession. He has exceeded my expectations in fair pricing as he gives lots of payment options. I am more than satisfied with the care I have received there. read less
Eleticia O.12/11/2020 - GoogleThank you to all the staff especially Nicole in billing at South Ridge Dental for taking great care of my... read moreThank you to all the staff especially Nicole in billing at South Ridge Dental for taking great care of my dad. He needed massive amount of work done and she was able to schedule all his work with out any issues. They also recognized that he was in a lot of pain at his initial evaluation and they prescribed adequate pain and antibiotics for him. If you need someone who is understanding and caring please know you will have the best attention and care at SRD. read less
NATASHA M.12/11/2020 - GoogleMy world literally stopped this morning from an infected wisdom tooth. As I did not have a dental provider, I... read moreMy world literally stopped this morning from an infected wisdom tooth. As I did not have a dental provider, I was not sure where to start as I have the worst fear when it comes to dental visits. From the initial phone call Krissy and Miranda were beyond helpful and calming as I was in a panic over the phone. They sent me all the info I needed to fill out via email, so when I arrived to my appointment I was ready to be seen. I was greeted at the door by Val (amazing and sweet) she didn’t know at the time but I was already having a panic attack.. The way she explained everything calmed my nerves immediately. Abby was so gracious and caring throughout the process while assisting Dr.Sean Simper (who is now my forever dentist)... Thank you to the entire Southridge Dental team, I appreciate everyone who helped me today. read less
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The best place in the tricities for dental work. The staff remembers you and always greets you when you walk... read moreThe best place in the tricities for dental work. The staff remembers you and always greets you when you walk in, makes you comfortable back in the rooms. Always courteous and nice. The doctor Is very professional and quickly diagnoses what's wrong. Pricing is about the same as any other dentist, if not cheaper. read less
Vauna C.11/03/2020 - GoogleI had a great experience at Southridge Dental. The entire staff was friendly and professional. The prices were... read moreI had a great experience at Southridge Dental. The entire staff was friendly and professional. The prices were very reasonable. ( I do not have dental insurance). I would highly recommend Southridge Dental. read less
stephen p.10/27/2020 - GoogleI am the biggest chicken when it comes going to the dentist, but they made me feel so welcome and... read moreI am the biggest chicken when it comes going to the dentist, but they made me feel so welcome and comfortable. I came in with excruciating pain. and they made it painless. I would recommend this place to everyone. Dr Sean Simper is the best and so are his dental assistants I am so humbled for what there doing for me. Thank you Southridge Dental You all are the Best! Thank you sincerely Stephen Peabody! read less
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I am so happy to have found this dental office! The staff is super kind and caring! They offer a... read moreI am so happy to have found this dental office! The staff is super kind and caring! They offer a comfort menu that helps you relax while you're getting your teeth worked on. The dentist makes me anxious so having these little features made the experience so much easier! It's a nice way to show their care and appreciation for their patients. They're amazing people! Would 10/10 recommend this office!! read less
Stephanie S.10/15/2020 - GoogleThis is the best dental practice I’ve ever had the pleasure of what with. The staff is very welcoming and... read moreThis is the best dental practice I’ve ever had the pleasure of what with. The staff is very welcoming and have excellent communication always. They are always able to get me in as quickly as possible and also leave reminder texts to help out. Dr. Simkin is the best. Not only is he an artist but his bedside manner is impeccable and makes you feel very comfortable even though going to the dentist is sometimes not the funnest. All in all they are a very well oiled machine and I am always impressed after every visit. read less
Victoria M.10/15/2020 - GoogleI can’t stop talking about how much I love this dental office. They took amazing care of my mom when... read moreI can’t stop talking about how much I love this dental office. They took amazing care of my mom when she needed it and then when I went in for a simple check up, they went above and beyond. I loved how comfortable they all made me feel. If you are able to check out Southridge Dental, I strongly recommend you do. read less