How to reverse gum disease?
In order to effectively combat gum disease, it is imperative to eliminate the accumulation of tartar, which can be found on the dental surfaces as well as beneath the gum margin.
The progression of periodontitis cannot be reversed, but rather can only be decelerated. Conversely, gingivitis possesses the potential for reversal. Thus, it is important to quickly identify the early signs of gingivitis in order to impede its advancement towards periodontitis.
Listed are several methods for effectively reversing gingivitis in order to prevent its progression into a more severe condition.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
It is essential to diligently brush your teeth a minimum of two times daily to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Electric toothbrushes surpass manual toothbrushes in effectiveness, as they possess the capability to efficiently eliminate plaque buildup.
Incorporating flossing into your oral hygiene routine is essential. Food stuck between your teeth serve as nourishment for bacteria that resides in your teeth crevices. By diligently practicing flossing, the bacteria will effectively be eliminated. To further optimize your dental care, consider employing dental picks as they assist in the removal of food particles and fortify the health of your gums.
It is advisable to consider incorporating the use of mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine, as it has the potential to effectively eliminate bacteria present in the oral cavity. Moreover, mouthwash can prove beneficial by aiding in the dislodgement of residual food particles that may have been left behind.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Ensuring preventive dental care remains pivotal in combatting gum disease. Aside from conducting comprehensive screenings for cavities and other oral concerns, dentists possess the expertise to efficiently eliminate tartar buildup that surpasses the reach of conventional toothbrushing methods.
Quit Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
The utilization of tobacco could potentially lead to gum irritation, thereby exacerbating the symptoms associated with periodontal disease. Abstaining from tobacco usage can significantly contribute to improving your overall health in various aspects. Not only does quitting tobacco provide the opportunity to reverse gum disease, but it also effectively decreases the likelihood of developing cancer.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers a remarkable ability to safeguard and enhance the health of your gum tissue while promoting the regeneration of bone by activating the stem cells localized in that area. This advanced method proficiently eradicates infected tissue and effectively eliminates the bacteria held within, all within a rapid timeframe.
This particular procedure is classified as minimally invasive, thereby necessitating minimal or even zero anesthesia. Furthermore, the recovery period associated with this procedure is considerably shorter.
Types of Gum Disease
In the realm of oral health, two distinct classifications of gum disease exist: gingivitis and periodontitis. To gain a comprehensive understanding of both conditions, we will go over in detail below.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis arises as a consequence of gum inflammation alongside potential infection. This condition ensues when an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth triggers the thriving of bacteria, both on the teeth themselves and within the gums.
Insufficient attention to oral care often contributes to this occurrence. Additionally, gingivitis can arise as a side effect of specific medications or malnourishment. Alternatively, it might be triggered by particular viruses, bacteria, fungi, or genetic predisposition.
The presence of gingivitis can be identified by the observable symptoms displayed in one’s oral cavity. These include the swelling and redness of the gums, their heightened sensitivity to pressure, bleeding during routine brushing or flossing, and the occurrence of halitosis or bad breath.
Gingivitis, although lacking in capacity to induce bone loss or gum recession, may often go unnoticed by individuals. Therefore, it is highly advisable to maintain regular appointments with one’s dentist to ensure timely diagnosis and optimal oral health.
Failure to address gingivitis may lead to the progression of a more severe oral health ailment known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis
The exponential growth of bacterial population is facilitated when plaque and tartar are on the teeth, leading to the transformation of a mere case of gingivitis into periodontitis.
This gum disease has the potential to adversely impact both your gum tissues and teeth, leading to their gradual deterioration. Failure to address it promptly may result in severe gum recession, ultimately causing tooth loss due to insufficient gum tissue retention.
Periodontitis shows as gum inflammation characterized by swelling, redness, heightened sensitivity upon contact, and increased susceptibility to bleeding. Additionally, individuals may experience undesirable halitosis, the presence of purulent discharge from the gingiva, discomfort while chewing, and dental mobility. Upon self-examination in the mirror, one may observe an elongated appearance of the teeth, attributed to the recession of gum tissue.
Periodontitis presents in three distinct forms: chronic, aggressive, and necrotizing periodontal disease. The prevalence of chronic periodontitis is rather widespread amongst individuals; fortunately, its treatable and can be prevented with proper oral hygiene.
Aggressive periodontitis typically initiates during childhood or early adulthood, affecting only a small segment of the population; nonetheless, its progression is remarkably swift. It is imperative to promptly address this condition in order to mitigate the potential consequences of bone and tooth deterioration.
Necrotizing periodontal disease represents a grave and consequential ailment characterized by the necrosis of gum tissue, resulting in a severe infection. Frequently, individuals who possess compromised immune systems are afflicted by this specific form of condition.