Can Gingivitis Be Cured?

If you’ve been diagnosed recently with gingivitis, you may be quite concerned. While some of the negative effects of long term gingivitis, like tooth loss and gum problems cannot be reversed, the actual gingivitis that is the root of these problems can be controlled. So, if you’ve caught your gingivitis early, there’s no reason why you can’t get it under control without any further damage to your mouth.

Visiting your dentist is important, but most of the work that you’ll do to get rid of gingivitis can be done at home. Along with regular professional cleanings, brushing, flossing and rinsing are the tools for fighting gingivitis. Here are some steps you can take to cure your gingivitis.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. The physical brushing of your teeth is an important step in removing the plaque that causes gingivitis. Good toothpaste will even further help remove the plaque. Look for all natural toothpastes, free from artificial colorings or ingredients. Products with a mint base are best, since certain mint oils can kill the bacteria that cause plaque.

Flossing your teeth is also an important step, since flossing is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth. Be sure to floss at least once a day. The best time to floss is before you brush. Sometimes flossing only loosens particles, rather than removing them. Therefore if you floss first, any particles that are only loosened will be removed when you brush.

Mouthwash can also help fight gingivitis because it can get to the bacteria below the gum line, where your floss and toothbrush do not reach. Natural mint based products are great for mouthwash, too. It’s wise to use mouthwash a few times a day, especially in the middle of the day, when you may not be brushing or flossing. One of the primary symptoms of gingivitis is bad breath, and using a mouthwash is a great way to alleviate this problem.

Tongue scrapers are also helpful in removing bacteria that resides on your tongue. This bacteria encourages bad breath and contributes to the plaque that causes gingivitis. You can also use your toothbrush for scraping your tongue.

Gingivitis can be a serious problem you do not treat it. It will eventually lead to gum disease, including bleeding and painful gums. Over time, periodontal disease can set in, causing tooth loss and even leading to heart disease. However, with some time, attention and good oral hygiene, gingivitis is easy to treat.