Many people who come into the office and are diagnosed with gum disease wonder what they can do to reverse gum disease and make their gums healthy again. While there are varying degrees of gum disease, it’s not always possible to eliminate advanced-stage gum diseases like periodontal disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis has been shown to cause gum loss and even tooth loss, and can contribute to heart disease. This is why it is imperative to make sure you don’t get periodontitis in the first place.
If you have gingivitis, you are at high risk for periodontitis, so getting control of your gingivitis is key to preventing it from worsening. If you’re curious about how you can prevent or reverse gingivitis, here are some oral health tips to keep your gums healthy:
Brushing at least twice a day. You already know this, but brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time is the best way to care for your teeth and gums.
Flossing. No not the dance! Flossing with dental floss between each tooth at least once a day (preferably at night) helps keep harmful bacteria away from the gums
Pay a visit to Dr. Mingus! You should at a minimum visit the dentist at least once a year, twice or more if possible. This can ward off any potential oral health problems, and keeps your teeth clean. Teeth clear of plaque keep dangerous bacteria from infiltrating your gum line and causing gingivitis or periodontitis.
Get regular physicals. Regular visits with your primary care physician can also give you a heads up to any issues that may be occurring in your body, whether they are gum-related or not. Many conditions such as heart disease and diabetes can affect your gums.
Quit smoking. Do you smoke? Smoking is very dangerous for your teeth and gums both for the chemicals you inhale in the cigarettes, as well as the damage the smoke causes to the heart, lungs, mouth, and throat tissue.
If you follow these key guidelines and eat a healthy diet, your oral and overall health should benefit too!