Periodontitis, or gum disease, is not always taken seriously. However, if you don’t treat this oral health condition, it can become irreversible and dangerous. This condition can cause chronic bad breath, receding gums, painful chewing, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, and tooth loss. In its advanced stage, gum disease has been connected to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
But at what point does gum disease become irreversible? Is it already permanent during the gingivitis stage? It’s crucial to know these things if you want to protect both your oral and overall health.
What Is Gingivitis and Why It Matters
Gingivitis is the first of three stages of gum disease. At this stage, it is an infection of the gum tissue. Its symptoms are generally light and sometimes go unnoticed. However, although they may not cause significant discomfort, the signs of gingivitis are usually clear. It’s crucial to spot these signs early on because while gingivitis is reversible, it’s the only stage of gum disease that is.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
When gingivitis escalates into full-blown gum disease, it’s called “periodontitis.” Periodontitis is not reversible, it can only be treated and managed. Fortunately, the treatment can do wonders for protecting your oral health and reducing symptoms. However, no one wants to require periodontal treatment for the rest of their life.
To avoid that, you should brush twice a day, floss once a day, eat a tooth-healthy diet, and visit your dentist twice a year. Even if you do all this, you should still look for signs of gingivitis.
Signs You May Have Gingivitis
Early signs of gingivitis are subtle but become more pronounced as the infection progresses. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Swollen or red gums
- Bleeding easily when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Tender gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum line
If you notice any of these symptoms, gingivitis is likely the culprit. Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment, and in the meantime, maintain a strong oral hygiene routine.
How Long It Takes to Reverse Gingivitis
While the eventual consequences may be frightening, learning that you have gingivitis shouldn’t be. Reversing gingivitis is not overly complicated, and it can be done relatively quickly. If you take the proper action, you can often reverse your gingivitis in a matter of two weeks, sometimes even less.
However, keep in mind that everybody, and every body, is different, and reversing your gingivitis may take longer than two weeks. This is especially true if underlying health conditions are contributing to the infection. Things like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and hormone changes from pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable and slower to heal.
How to Reverse Gingivitis
Reversing gingivitis is not necessarily difficult, but it does require dedication. Here’s what it typically involves:
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing regularly are always important, but they become even more important when you have gingivitis. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and floss for gum health once a day. Remember that your toothbrush alone can’t reach all the plaque on and between your teeth, and plaque buildup and gingivitis go hand in hand. Flossing is crucial.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Several brands make special mouthwash for gingivitis that kills bacteria. Get some for yourself when you’re working to reverse gingivitis, as brushing and flossing may not be enough. You may even want to get a chlorhexidine oral rinse that can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Visit Your Dentist
When plaque sits in the mouth long enough, it hardens into bacteria-filled tartar. The only way you can remove the tartar from your mouth is by visiting your dentist. They can perform a deep clean to clear plaque, scrape off tartar, and help reverse gingivitis. Your dentist can also offer you advice for reversing gingivitis symptoms and preventing future infections.
Lifestyle Changes
Habits like smoking and eating a poor diet can contribute to gingivitis. Reducing your tobacco intake can strengthen your immune system, and reducing your sugar intake can weaken mouth bacteria. Eating a balanced diet with calcium-rich foods and drinking plenty of water can also protect your mouth against gingivitis bacteria.
Contact Babylon Dental Care Today to Learn More
Early gum disease treatment is critical. If you’re experiencing gingivitis symptoms, our team of dental care specialists at Babylon Dental Care can help you treat the infection and protect your oral health. Call (631) 983-6665 today or contact us online to schedule your appointment.