How to Get Rid of Gingivitis

The thought of having gingivitis might fill you with fear. In addition to experiencing painful, inflamed gums, bad breath, and bleeding when brushing, you might worry about losing one or more teeth and the development of abscesses or infections. 

Before you panic, it might be helpful to know that you can reverse gingivitis with professional dental care and good dental health practices. However, you cannot reverse gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, after it enters advanced stages, which is why you mustn’t delay. Restore your oral health and confidence by learning how to get rid of gingivitis.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

It is crucial to consistently follow good oral hygiene practices to protect your dental health and reverse gingivitis. Brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes at a time, ideally when you wake up and before you go to bed. If possible, upgrade to an electric toothbrush to remove more dental plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Floss Daily

Flossing is a quick and effective habit that can protect your oral health and may even help reverse gingivitis. It works better at banishing plaque buildup than toothbrushing alone. Plus, it will be more effective when used in conjunction with routine dental cleaning or scaling and planing from a dental hygienist. Talk to a dentist about how to floss correctly to avoid irritating your gums and ensure you do so consistently to prevent the problem from returning.

Routinely Visit a Dentist

If you suspect you have gingivitis, you should not hesitate to book a dental checkup. For instance, halitosis (bad breath), and receding, bleeding, or inflamed gums are common signs, and loose teeth are more common during advanced stages of gum disease.

Left untreated gingivitis could turn to periodontitis, which is irreversible and may cause serious oral health issues, such as abscesses, infections, and tooth loss. A dentist can pinpoint if you are living with gum disease and its stage before recommending the best techniques and treatments to protect your dental health.

A dentist may decide to repair any dental work that they suspect could affect your oral health. For instance, they might remove or fix a crown, bridge, or cavity, or they may smooth areas across your teeth to support cleaning. It could transform your smile while helping you say goodbye to gingivitis.

Also, don’t be afraid to talk to a dentist about how you can get rid of gingivitis and prevent it from returning. You can trust they will be more than happy to provide knowledgeable advice on how to brush your teeth, the hidden spots to target, and how often you should attend a dental appointment. What’s more, they can provide recommendations on the best toothbrush, toothbrush, floss, or mouthwash to use for your specific needs.

Attend Routine Dental Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are essential for preventing gingivitis and are the fastest way to cure the problem. Most dentists at bafdentistry recommend attending a dental cleaning appointment every six months, but you may need to attend more frequently depending on your oral health needs. 

A qualified dentist will take the time to remove the tartar and plaque buildup to create smoother, cleaner teeth. Also, they will measure your gums to identify the formation of gum disease pocketing, and they may take digital X-rays of your teeth to identify decay, abscesses, cysts, or other dental health issues.

Scaling and Planning

Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning technique than professional dental cleaning. A dental hygienist will thoroughly clean below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar and prevent bacteria from inflaming your gums. If performed during the early stages of gingivitis, it could potentially reverse the problem and protect your teeth and gums. You will likely need to attend more than one appointment, as scaling and planing will not be performed during the same visit.

Reduce Sugar and Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol and sugar are fine in moderation and when combined with good oral hygiene practices, such as flossing, brushing, and routine dental cleanings. However, excessive consumption and poor dental health can cause gingivitis to develop and may advance into gum disease if left untreated.

Many studies have found a link between alcohol consumption and gum disease. If you routinely drink alcoholic drinks, you will have a higher risk of gingivitis. Plus, it may accelerate an existing oral health issue to more advanced stages. 

Sugar is just as damaging as alcohol, as the bacteria in your mouth will feed on it, causing the production of acid when it breaks down starches and sugars. Therefore, you must reduce your sugar and alcohol consumption as much as possible and ensure you brush your teeth straight afterward.

Try Oil Pulling

Various scientific studies have found oil pulling can help treat gingivitis. The ancient home remedy is rising in popularity, as it may reduce plaque buildup and gum inflammation. If you have never tried to oil pull, it requires you to swish approximately one tablespoon of coconut in your mouth for a maximum of five minutes. The solidified oil will turn into a liquid once inside your mouth, but you must not swallow it.

Once you have finished, it is recommended to spit the oil into a trash can and not the drain, as it will solidify once it returns to room temperature. After you have done so, rinse your mouth with water.

Conclusion

If you have noticed signs of gingivitis or a dentist has confirmed you have the problem, it is natural to worry about your receding gums, tooth loss, and painful infections, to name a few potential oral health issues.

As stated earlier, gingivitis is reversible with regular dental care and good oral hygiene practices. For this reason, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a checkup or dental service from BAF Dentistry to identify and resolve gingivitis before it develops into periodontitis. It will allow you to smile proudly each day and ensure you never worry about bad breath or inflamed gums when talking to others.