Gingivitis-characterized by gums that bleed and are swollen, red, and sore-is the earliest stage of gum disease.
Even though you might get a little freaked out by this diagnosis, rest assured that it is reversible. You can get your gums back to a state of health rather easily, without the need for expensive treatments. But you do need to put the work in to do it right, and to prevent this condition from progressing into serious gum disease.
Below is some information on how to reverse gingivitis, but be sure to work closely with your dentist for personalized guidance on how to heal your gums and keep them strong for years to come.
You Can Tackle Gingivitis at Home
First off, whenever you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s best to see your dentist to get answers. If the diagnosis is gingivitis, here are some steps you can take at home every day to reverse it and keep it from coming back:
1.Brush and floss every single day: To keep your pearly whites bright and your gums gingivitis-free, brushing and flossing daily is necessary. There’s no way around it. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time using a manual or electric toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t irritate your gums. Brush along the gum line, and replace your toothbrush regularly. Floss at least once daily with string floss or a water flosser to clean between your teeth. This simple routine can help ensure you remove plaque and bacteria that would otherwise irritate the gums.
Note: When it comes to maintaining gum health, flossing is a must, so don’t forget to
do it.
2. Add a mouthwash and/or oil pulling to your routine: In addition to brushing and flossing, your dentist might recommend adding a mouthwash to your routine in order to reverse gingivitis. Ask your dental care provider which type of mouthwash would be best for your needs. Plus, you might want to try oil pulling with coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil, as this simple technique may help reduce plaque that causes gingivitis.
3. Eat a healthy diet that supports gum health: Your oral health can be affected by what you eat, so consuming plenty of foods that are nutrient-dense, while avoiding sugary and starchy foods, is wise. Stick with whole grains, add more fruits and veggies to your diet, and switch to water if you drink a lot of carbonated and sugary beverages.
4. Treat dry mouth: If you’ve been diagnosed with dry mouth, there’s less saliva to help keep bacteria from wreaking havoc on your gums, so it’s wise to take steps to keep your mouth moist. Your dentist can give you tips on how to go about doing so, but you might find relief with simple strategies like chewing sugar-free gum, enjoying sugar-free lozenges, and drinking more water.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking is an unhealthy habit for many reasons, but a lot of people don’t realize that it can also take its toll on your gum health, and make it harder to heal from gingivitis too. Quitting smoking might be your ticket to reversing gingivitis and preventing gum infections.
Your Dentist Can Help!
Great oral health includes both home care and professional care, so see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings, which go a long way in preventing and reversing gingivitis.
Why are professional dental cleanings so important when it comes to reversing gingivitis? It’s pretty simple: tartar isn’t something that you can get rid of on your own, no matter how impeccable your oral hygiene routine is. By getting rid of that tartar buildup, a dental hygienist can help restore the health of your gums.
How often should you see your dentist? Well, experts recommend every six months, but your dentist can tell you whether or not you can go longer between visits or if you need to see him or her more often.
It’s Possible to Reverse Gingivitis and Prevent Future Problems!
The ultimate goal is to keep as much plaque, tartar, and bacteria off of your teeth as possible so your gums can remain healthy and strong. And you can do that by following a strict oral hygiene routine at home, while also seeing your dentist regularly.
Experiencing symptoms? See your dentist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis. If it’s gingivitis, he or she can professionally clean your teeth and give you a plan to follow to get your gums back to a state of health. With consistent effort, it might even only take a couple of weeks to start seeing results. Then, just maintain this routine so you can prevent gingivitis from recurring.
Final Tip: Worried about affording professional dental care? Browse the Direct Benefits Marketplace to find the perfect insurance that can help cover the costs so you never have to skip an appointment, especially when you’re experiencing gum problems.
Sources:
https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/edu/gum-disease/how-long-does-gingivitis-take-to-heal/
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gingivitis-gum-11#1
https://benefitsbridge.unitedconcordia.com/reversing-gingivitis-7-tips-to-make-it-happen/
https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml