If you're suffering from gum disease, chances are that you would want to find out how to treat the problem, and quickly. Learning how to reverse gum disease can be a good idea for many people, as almost half of the adults over the age of 30 in the United States suffer from this issue to some degree. Varying from mild inflammation to significant chronic conditions known as periodontitis, gum disease can lead to extreme discomfort, and even the loss of teeth.
Knowing how to reverse gum disease while it's still in its early stages could help to save you some pain, irritation, and teeth.
Risk Factors For Gum Disease
Before we cover how to reverse gum disease, it may be helpful to learn which factors are more likely to put you at risk of experiencing the disease in the first place. For example, gum disease is the response that is generated by your body in response to plaque that sticks to your teeth and gums. While bacteria is the main culprit for this problem, there are numerous factors that can elevate the severity of your condition, including smoking, poor oral hygiene, changes in hormones, medications, and even diabetes, which is an illness that compromises your body's ability to fight off infection.
How You Can Reverse Gum Disease
The first step in reversing gum disease is good oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene practices help to prevent the disease from returning, and get rid of the plaque that can cause the disease in the first place. Make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day with an appropriate toothbrush, and attempt to floss at least once a day. These measures will help to keep bacterial plaque away from your teeth, reducing the chances that your gums will become irritated. Remember, if your toothbrush becomes frayed and old, buy a new one because once the bristles start to wear down, they will not clean your gums and teeth as effectively as they should.
Similarly, remember that saliva helps to wash bacteria away from your gums and teeth, so it's a good idea to keep your mouth wet by drinking plenty of water. Some research even shows that eating foods rich in nutrients can help to improve the performance of your immune system, therefore slowing the progression of gum disease. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends sticking to a healthy diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, fish, and meats, as well as dairy and whole-grain products.
How Professionals Can Reverse Gum Disease
Sometimes, it's not about what you can do to get rid of gum disease, but what a professional can do to help you. Routine checkups at your dentistry practice are an important part of looking after the health of your gums and teeth. Remember, a dentist will check not only for signs of decay when you visit, but also early signs of gum disease and infection that you might not have noticed.
What's more, professional cleanings from your dentist will also help to remove the buildup of tartar that you couldn't remove by yourself.