How To Treat Gingivitis At Home

Brushing and flossing daily is obviously an important part of your daily routine. For some, it can also be a painful one. If your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss then you might be experiencing gingivitis. This is an early warning to periodontal disease and is certainly a topic you will want to alert your dentist to the next time you schedule an appointment. There are also several things you can do at home to reverse the effects of gingivitis and keep your mouth healthy.

If you are only experiencing bleeding gums while flossing, it might just be that your gums are not used to flossing regularly. We see many patients who don’t floss daily and when they do the gums bleed because of the pressure put on them by the floss. This will go away after flossing becomes more of a routine for you. If the bleeding persists and your gums are swollen and red, this is a bigger cause for concern. There are several ways to reverse gingivitis at home, before going to the dentist. 

1. Make sure you are brushing twice a day, if you have been missing days here and there, try to build more of a routine that works for you. 
2.  Floss each day as those who do greatly reduce their chances of experiencing gingivitis. 
3. Rinse with a mouthwash at least once a day as this has been clinically proven to remove up to 99% of bacteria found in your mouth. It’s this bacteria that will erode the tooth’s enamel and cause cavities.
4. Visit your dentist twice a year. A dental cleaning removes the built-up plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Having a bi-annual cleaning greatly reduces your chance of having gingivitis.

If you would like more information about gingivitis, visit our website. There you will find more helpful dental tips on ways to prevent gingivitis as well as a host of other dental concerns. You can also call our office and speak with one of our staff members who will be able to answer all of your questions.