What is gingivitis and is it reversible? Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Hence gingivitis has many symptoms. These can range from irritation, swelling and redness around your gum line to even bad breath .
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. However, there are many factors that can contribute such as smoking, diabetes, inadequate nutrition, substance abuse, systemic disease and certain medication use. Some patients may even have a genetic predisposition. Furthermore it’s important to not only take care of your oral hygiene but your overall health.
When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and potential tooth loss. Trench mouth is also another severe form of gum disease that stems from untreated gingivitis. Trench mouth can cause painful, infected and bleeding gums and even ulcerations. However, this is the most severe form and is only seen most commonly in developing countries. In today’s modern day there are many ways to reverse gingivitis and stop it from spreading. So how do you reverse gingivitis?
Steps to reversing gingivitis
The most important step is practicing good oral hygiene. First, start brushing your teeth twice a day for at least a minimum of two minutes. Also incorporate flossing into your daily hygiene practice. And always brush your teeth after eating sweet and sugary foods and before bed. Keeping your mouth clean will help with keeping bacteria from spreading.
Secondly see your dentist regularly! We recommend a visit every 6 months for scheduled hygiene and dental exams. If you experience change in diet, medications or further health complications, dental visits might have to be scheduled more often. Annual x-rays may even aid in identifying underlying oral health complications unseen by a visual examination.
Lastly, develop overall healthy habits. Cut down on sugary drinks and foods. Be more cautious of what you put into your body for it’s the only place you have to live.
Think you may be exhibiting any signs of gingivitis? If you are unsure, the best option is to give our clinic a call and our staff will help you set up an appointment with our dental team. Our Calgary dentists are a dedicated team of professionals who will address any concerns you may have. Give our clinic a call and see for yourself the benefits of Strathcona Dental Works!
