Gum disease is an incredibly common oral health concern. Also known as periodontal disease, it has two main stages: early gum disease (gingivitis) and late-stage gum disease (periodontitis). While gingivitis can be treated, periodontitis is much more destructive, so it’s important to catch gum disease in the early stages before it has the chance to progress.
With proper care and timely action, you can reverse gingivitis and restore your gum health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the stages of gum disease, steps you can take to reverse it in its early stages, and how to prevent its recurrence.
Understanding Gingivitis
Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar due to bacteria in the mouth, often as a result of poor oral hygiene.
When bacteria are allowed to thrive in the mouth, they feed on food residue — especially sugar — and produce plaque, which is the filmy substance that coats your teeth. While plaque can be removed through brushing and flossing, if it remains too long, it can harden and form tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
All that bacteria infects the gums, causing swelling, redness, tenderness, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, causing more severe symptoms including gum recession, bone loss, and even loose teeth.
Steps to Reverse Early Gum Disease
The good news is that gingivitis is highly treatable with the right care. If you address gum disease early enough, you can prevent the destruction of periodontitis and restore your gum health. Let’s take a look at the most effective ways to reverse gingivitis.
Improve Oral Hygiene Habits
Reversing gingivitis requires proper oral hygiene habits. You’ve heard it all before — brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to get rid of food particles and plaque. Pay special attention to the gumline as you brush, ensuring that no spots are left uncleaned.
You also need to floss every day to remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. It’s also a good idea to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria. For more information about mouthwash, check out our previous blog post, “Do I Really Need to Use Mouthwash?”
Professional Dental Cleaning
Another key component of gingivitis treatment is professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be addressed at home. Experts recommend visiting your dentist’s office every six months for thorough cleanings by dental hygienists. These appointments also give the dentist a chance to check for signs of oral health issues like gum disease and provide expert advice.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
In addition to at-home and in-office treatment, diet and lifestyle changes can also be effective for reversing gingivitis. Vitamins C and D are known to support gum health, so make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in these essential nutrients.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that feed harmful bacteria. If you do indulge in a sweet treat, brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward. You should also quit smoking, as it weakens the immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight off gum disease.
Treat Underlying Conditions
If you have a systemic health issue like diabetes that’s contributing to your gum disease, make sure you’re not neglecting your systemic health. Getting these conditions under control will help improve the health of your whole body — including your gums.
Signs You’re on the Right Track
Reversing gingivitis can take some time, but with diligence and care, you should start to see signs of improvement, including:
- Reduced gum inflammation, tenderness, and swelling
- Less bleeding during brushing and flossing
- Fresher breath and a cleaner mouthfeel
Preventing the Recurrence of Gum Disease
Once you’ve gotten your gingivitis under control, it’s important to prevent it from coming back. The key to effective oral care is consistency. Don’t abandon the good habits you built just because your gums are in good shape! Keep attending your dentist appointments twice a year and communicate with your dentist about any concerns.
Find Relief from Gingivitis with Help from Eric Felt DDS
If you think you may have gum disease, contact the team at Eric Felt DDS right away to schedule an appointment. With our help, you can restore your gum health and prevent serious damage to your teeth and gums. Give us a call at 801-533-9879 today to get started.