Gingivitis Treatment in Portland ME

You brush. You floss. You rinse. And yet, your gums are bleeding. Maybe they feel a little puffy, maybe your breath isn’t as fresh as it used to be. If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with gingivitis in Portland ME—the earliest (and most easily overlooked) form of gum disease.

Here’s the good news: gingivitis is completely reversible with the right care. But here’s the catch—it won’t go away on its own. As a periodontist at Portland Center for Dentistry, I see this every day: what starts as mild inflammation becomes full-blown periodontitis when it’s ignored. My job is to help you catch it early and treat it effectively—before it becomes a permanent problem.

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What Is Gingivitis in Portland ME?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums triggered by bacteria-rich plaque that builds up around the teeth and gumline. When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar—and that’s when your body starts to fight back. Your gums become inflamed, irritated, and in many cases, start to bleed. That’s your immune system sending out a signal flare.

The tricky part? It often doesn’t hurt. That’s why so many people ignore it until the damage spreads below the surface, attacking the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. Gingivitis is a warning shot—and one you don’t want to ignore.

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Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Brush Off

Most people associate gum disease with major symptoms like pain or tooth mobility. But gingivitis starts subtly, and recognizing these early signs is the key to stopping it in its tracks:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Swollen or tender gum tissue
• Gums that appear redder than usual
• Bad breath that won’t go away, even after brushing
• Gumlines that look puffy or uneven

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—even if it feels minor—it’s time to take action. The earlier you address it, the easier it is to treat.

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How We Treat Gingivitis (And Help You Keep It Gone)

Gingivitis treatment doesn’t require surgery, but it does demand precision and consistency. As periodontists, we don’t just “clean your teeth”—we target the source of infection, reduce inflammation, and teach you how to protect your progress at home.

A typical gingivitis treatment plan may include:

• Professional dental cleaning: We remove built-up plaque and tartar around the gums—areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Antimicrobial therapy: We may recommend medicated mouth rinses or apply localized antibiotics to calm inflammation and kill bacteria.
• Custom oral hygiene coaching: Brushing and flossing are your first line of defense. We’ll fine-tune your technique and tools.
• Follow-up evaluations: We’ll monitor your healing progress and adjust your care if needed.

This isn’t just a one-time fix. It’s a strategy to restore gum health and keep disease from returning.

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Prevention Is Powerful

Once gingivitis advances into periodontitis, the damage is no longer reversible—it becomes a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. But if we catch it early, gingivitis can be cleared, your gum tissue can heal, and you can get back to a healthier, more confident smile.

That’s why prevention isn’t just about avoiding treatment. It’s about giving your gums the consistent care they need—now and for the long term.

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Let’s Make Sure It Stops Here

Gingivitis is common. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. With the right professional care and at-home habits, you can get ahead of gum disease before it ever becomes serious.

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Ready to take control of your gum health?

Let’s create a treatment plan that works for you. Schedule your consultation today, and we’ll help you reverse gingivitis—and keep it from coming back. Your gums (and your future self) will thank you.