If you want to know how to get rid of gingivitis this may be the most important article you ever read. Below you’ll find 6 simple steps to overcome gingivitis before it gets too serious to reverse.
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to remember that gingivitis definitely can be fixed. There is some confusion around this because gingivitis and gum disease are often talked about as the same thing. And while gingivitis and gum disease are similar, there are differences. The main difference is that gingivitis can be more easily fixed. Think of the conditions as stage 1 and stage 2.
Gingivitis is stage 1. At this stage your body is giving you fair warning that there are problems that need to be fixed. Fix the problems now and you have nothing to worry about. Ignore your body’s warnings, continue on as usual, and you may end up in stage 2… gum disease!
Stage 2, gum disease, is super-charged gingivitis with additional complications. Once you’re in stage 2 it’s much harder to repair the damage and it becomes more about management and gradual improvements, coupled with potential surgery!
How to get rid of gingivitis
If you’ve got gingivitis, or you’re even concerned you might have it, the time to start on a “repair regime” is now!
Gingivitis is characterized by bleeding during or after brushing and flossing, and red and swollen gums. If you’re experiencing these symptoms there’s no time to waste. Here are the 6 simple steps to fix your gingivitis.
1. Brush at least twice a day
The minimum you should be aiming for is to brush twice a day, once after waking/breakfast and once after dinner/pre-bed. Ideally, brushing after every meal is better, which for most people would mean three or four times a day (post- breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner).
Dedicate a solid 2 to 4 minutes to brushing. Spending less time than this risks getting little benefit from brushing. Spend the time to brush properly, including getting to those hard to reach teeth at the back and sides.
Remember the rule that just because your front teeth feel clean, doesn’t mean the other teeth aren’t suffering. The front teeth are easy to test (visually and through feeling), but all the others suffer from not being in the spotlight. The only way to make sure they’re clean is to spend the time and give each individual tooth attention.
As a final point, remember to brush your tongue (do it lightly and don’t shove your toothbrush too far back… gaaagggg!).
2. Use a natural antibacterial toothpaste
Regular toothpaste contains chemicals (which is why you shouldn’t swallow it).
While regular toothpaste does a good job of cleaning your teeth and gums it can upset the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth. Without a positive balance of good bacteria in your mouth gingivitis and other conditions can get worse quickly.
Bottom line, you need good bacteria to maintain the health of your mouth throughout each day and fight the destructive forces of plaque, tartar, and sugar.
Using a natural antibacterial toothpaste in place of a standard one can help you maintain the right balance in your mouth. It can overcome issues such as gingivitis, gum disease, gum pockets, and bad breath.
A product such as Dental Pro 7 can take the place of, or work in conjunction with, your current toothpaste to fight unhealthy teeth and gum problems.
I have personally used Dental Pro 7. My wife overcame gum disease issues through using Dental Pro 7. You can read my review here: best natural toothpaste for gingivitis and gum disease.
In the meantime, you can read more about Dental Pro 7 and try it, here.
3. Floss gently
If you’re suffering from gingivitis your gums are already in a pretty bad place, so proceed cautiously with your flossing. It’s good to floss daily, because it gives you the chance to remove that smaller junk between your teeth that brushing misses, but do it gently.
Your gums are already sensitive so don’t make the bleeding worse by dragging sharp floss up hard against your gums. If you’re like me, and there’s zero space between your teeth, take extra care as you work the floss between your teeth so that you don’t flick the floss into your gums.
4. Keep your mouth fresh at all times
And by fresh I mean “don’t let it dry out!”
Once your mouth dries out the bad bacteria have a much easier time wreaking their havoc. With a dry mouth you’re literally defenseless!
Keep a water bottle with you at all times (including next to the bed) and drink regularly. Stay hydrated. A dry mouth is a definite sign you need water. Other signs are headache, not needing to go to the bathroom for hours on end, or dark urine when you eventually do go to the bathroom.
Avoid breathing through your mouth. Keep your mouth closed and breath through your nose. If you find it difficult to breath through your nose at night, try to sleep on your back using pillows to keep your head elevated. If that doesn’t work, use a humidifier to make the bedroom air less dry and consult your doctor about what other steps you can take.
5. Gargle with non-alcohol mouthwash
Gargle to moisten the environment in your mouth, freshen your breath, and remove nasties. Avoid using an alcohol-based mouthwash as this can destroy essential bacteria and leave your mouth dry.
The best mouthwash to use is one made from natural ingredients. Skip the chemicals, support your mouth, and let the good bacteria do their work.
6. See your dentist once a year
This is one you’ll have to get out of the house for. It’s good to have a checkup to get advance warning of any potential tooth or gum problems, but even more important to get a clean. See your dentist at least once a year for a full dental cleaning.
Having a full clean allows the dentist to clear out all of the nasties that you’ve missed with your brushing and flossing. It lets the dentist remove any built up plaque and tartar. By removing the plaque and tartar your dentist reduces the risk of your gingivitis worsening or developing into more serious gum disease.
How to tell if your gingivitis is improving
You won’t notice anything immediate, which is what can cause some people to give up.
By following the above 6 simple steps you’ll notice small improvements over a week or two like less frequent bleeding and pinker gums.
I know how bad you can feel at a time like this and I’d love to hear about the steps you’re taking and progress you’re making, so please comment below and let me know. What are your tips on how to get rid of gingivitis?
Read more about how to treat gingivitis at home here.
Cheers,
Cam