How to Reverse Gingivitis
July 7 2022 by Mills Haven Dental
The early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, can be very harmful to your health if left unchecked for too long. Signs of gingivitis include inflammation, inconsistent colouring, bleeding, and even bad breath.
The good news is that by following these tips you could potentially reverse gingivitis for happy, healthy gums.
It’s important to note that advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, may be irreversible. Periodontitis can lead to receding gums, bone loss, and missing teeth. That is just one of the reasons why it’s so important to take great care of your gum health.
Visit Your Dentist
The first thing you should do if you suspect the early stages of gum disease is to visit your dentist. Your dental team will be able to guide you on a path to healing. They’ll also give you a thorough, professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
We recommend seeing your dental team every six months for a hygiene cleaning. If six months is not feasible for you, make sure you go at least once a year.
You may also need to talk to your doctor, depending on whether you know the root cause of your gingivitis. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and even pregnancy, can lead to inflamed gums. Your doctor will be able to address any concerns.
Adjust Your Brush and Floss Routine
A proper brush and floss routine will make a huge difference when it comes to reversing gingivitis… and it’s completely within your control! Here are some basic rules:
- Brush your teeth at least once in the morning and once before bed; however, some people prefer to brush their teeth after every meal and that’s okay too.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. You may notice bleeding the first few days of regularly flossing, which is nothing to be alarmed about. See your dentist if you continue to bleed after a week.
- Clean every surface of each tooth, including those hard-to-reach places.
If you need step-by-step instructions on how to floss, we recommend visiting this page by the Canadian Dental Association.
PRO TIP: A mouthwash can really help reverse gingivitis. Look for ones that have fluoride as an ingredient, but a good saltwater rinse once a day can really help.
Make Changes to Your Diet
Our diets have a huge impact on our oral health. If adjusting your brush & floss routine isn’t helping, your diet may be next.
A simple, but effective start is to reduce or eliminate your sugary drink intake. Sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks can be very harmful to your gums.
Sugar isn’t the only food that is harmful to your gum health, though. Here are some suggestions for other foods to avoid:
- Alcohol.
- Candy.
- Coffee.
- Dried fruit.
- Tomato sauce.