Gum disease can be prevented with effective hygiene habits, including regular dental checkups and cleanings, but once the condition has begun, it can only be cured by a dental professional. While you can’t cure gum disease on your own, you can take steps to prevent it from developing or progressing. The primary cause of gum disease is inadequate or ineffective oral hygiene, but there are multiple things that contribute to the likelihood of gum disease. These contributing factors should be controlled when possible, and, when they can’t be controlled, they necessitate rigorous adherence to the routine of regular checkups and daily home hygiene.
Some of the risk factors that increase the likelihood of gum disease are:
- Lifestyle choices, including smoking and other tobacco use, and diet
- Certain medical conditions, including osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
- Some medications
- Extreme hormonal fluctuations, as in pregnancy or puberty
- Age
Research also suggests that gum disease is connected to some systemic conditions, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis and pancreatic cancer. Of course, some of the circumstances listed above are unavoidable, though it’s important to work on the circumstances within your control. If you smoke or use tobacco, stopping will work wonders for your oral health and your overall health; likewise, dietary changes and properly managed medical conditions can make a big difference for oral health. Because gum disease can only be diagnosed and treated by a dental professional, and risks are higher in some circumstances, it’s especially vital to remember and respect the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings when these underlying risks are present.
Another great reason to see your dentist is to learn the optimal approaches to preventing gum disease. Your dental hygienist can teach you the best ways to brush and floss to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums without damaging the delicate gum tissue, demonstrating the proper technique and observing your approach. They can also recommend specific products, like specialized toothpastes or brushes, that can help you address specific hygiene needs. Effective, regular brushing and flossing, combined with professional cleanings, can make a world of difference in preventing, reversing, or halting the progression of gum disease.
You may have read about possible home cures for gingivitis, like rinsing with salt water, coconut oil, or aloe vera, or applying home products like sage or turmeric to the gums. None of these home remedies are supported by evidence, though there is evidence that some of these suggestions could actually be detrimental to oral health. Rather than looking for “miracle cures” for gingivitis, focus on adopting the best possible methods for cleaning your teeth and oral tissues, and make sure to see your dentist every six months at the very least; if you have any risk factors for gingivitis, your dentist may recommend that you see them more often. The only way to stop the progression of gingivitis and prevent it from recurring, essentially curing it, is with careful attention at home and regular monitoring and cleaning at the dentist’s office. If you notice any of the symptoms of gingivitis, like redness, swelling, or bleeding while brushing or flossing, or if it’s been too long since your last checkup, call and make an appointment today.
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