According to one estimate, roughly half of U.S. adults have some form of gum disease. Many of them have gingivitis, a mild infection of the gum tissue that causes inflammation and minor bleeding. The good news is that gingivitis is usually reversible via diligent at-home oral hygiene. How can you help your gums to heal, and how long will it be before you notice improvements? Let’s discuss the answers to these important questions.
Start with Your Dentist’s Guidance
If your gums tend to bleed easily when you brush, one of the first things you should do is visit your dentist. They can let you know whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease). Their team can also thoroughly clean your teeth and give you personalized advice for at-home care. Additionally, your dentist may make product recommendations or even write you a prescription for a toothpaste or mouthwash that could help your gums to heal.
If you have periodontitis, you may need more than some adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. If that is true in your case, your dentist will discuss your recommended periodontal therapy treatment plan.
How Long Will It Be Before You Notice Improvements?
Remember that each individual is different. Some people notice improvements in their gum health within a week or two of adjusting their oral hygiene routine. If you do not see any improvements, or your gum health seems to be declining, you should contact your dentist for further assistance.
Oral Hygiene Tips
Here are some best practices for promoting gum health via at-home oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, and be sure to brush along your gumline on both the fronts and backs of your teeth. Be gentle — applying too much pressure may cause discomfort or injure your gums.
- Floss at least once a day. Move the floss carefully between your teeth, making sure to insert it gently beneath your gumline so you clean out bacteria and food particles that may be stuck there.
- Use a mouth rinse. Many mouth rinses have powerful antibacterial properties that can help to fight infections.
- Use the right products. Many oral hygiene products are specifically designed to promote gum health; they may be useful in your endeavor to reverse gingivitis. You might also want to invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush, which may help you to clean your teeth and your gumline as thoroughly as possible.
Gingivitis should be taken seriously, but in most cases, it can easily be reversed via thorough oral hygiene. Hopefully, the tips in this article will help you notice improvements in your gum health in the very near future!
Meet the Dentists
Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove are the experienced, empathetic dentists at Brookside Dental Care. They are proud to offer periodontal therapy and preventive care. They are also happy to share their tips on how patients can protect their smiles at home. To learn more about them and the services they provide, contact our office at 606-874-9311.