How Do I Cure Gum Disease?

Gingivitis, or gum disease, happens when plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, where it calcifies and turns into hard tartar. We brush our teeth to remove plaque, a sticky film made of saliva, bacteria, and food debris, and we floss to remove plaque from between the teeth and, especially, from the gum line. Some plaque is inevitably left behind; however, with even the most conscientious brushing and flossing, and allowed to turn into tartar, and tartar can only be removed in a clinical setting by a dental professional. When tartar accumulates at the gum line, the gums become inflamed: this inflammation characterizes gingivitis.

Early on, gingivitis can be reversed with a professional cleaning, where a dental hygienist safely cleans away tartar at the gum line with a precision dental tool, resolving gingival inflammation and allowing the gums to protectively tighten around the teeth once again. If you hear about home remedies for gingivitis, like using turmeric, sage, or baking soda, pulling cooking oil between the teeth, or rinsing with salt water or aloe vera, ignore them; some of these things are harmless, but others can actually damage the teeth, and none have been shown to have any curative effect on gingivitis.

When gingivitis isn’t properly treated, it progresses into periodontitis. Periodontitis requires more complex treatments, depending on how advanced it becomes, potentially including surgical procedures like gingival repositioning or gum or bone grafts. To the best of your ability, don’t let gingivitis progress. Brush and floss routinely and effectively, and see your dentist for regular exams and cleanings; these routine exams and cleanings are a vital part of preventing the progression of gingivitis, which can be difficult for people to detect on their own until it’s already progressed. If your gums appear swollen or if they bleed when you brush or floss, make an appointment with your dentist; otherwise, make sure to maintain a routine of regular dental visits. Combined with proper home care, professional dental care is the only effective cure for gingivitis.

At your next dental visit, ask your dental hygienist for input on better brushing or flossing tools or techniques, and demonstrate what you learn to make sure you understand. Many people brush with too much pressure or friction, damaging sensitive gum tissue and causing receding gums and tooth sensitivity, but it’s important not to equate aggressive brushing with effective brushing. Dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes, which include two-minute timers and electronic warning signs if brushing gets too intense, especially for patients with motor-control issues or other impediments to effective brushing.

Dental hygienists can also demonstrate proper flossing methods, which are particularly damaging to the gums when done incorrectly, and might recommend water flossers when indicated. Ultimately, the goal of brushing and flossing is to remove as much plaque and food debris from the oral cavity as possible. This means brushing all the sides of each tooth, from strategic angles; focusing on softly brushing plaque from the gum line with a downward motion; flossing gently, gliding the floss between the teeth and under the gum line; and removing bacteria and residue from the tongue as well as the teeth and gums. Keeping the removal of bacteria in mind, replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months; if the bristles are frayed, especially, the brush isn’t working properly and should be replaced.

Some people face a higher risk of gingivitis, including smokers, people with certain medical conditions, aging people, and others. If you are in one of these populations, your dentist might recommend more frequent dental visits, and you should heed their recommendation. With your dentist’s help, catching gingivitis early and consistently preventing it could end up saving you a lot of time and money and contributing to a pain-free future of enthusiastic, healthy smiles.

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