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How to Reverse Gum Disease

Contributor
By Tawny Hamilton
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Many people can get gum disease by not taking proper care of your gums and teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can turn into a more severe form called periodontal gum disease where your gums begin to pull away from your teeth and form deep pockets where food and bacteria can get trapped. This ultimately leads to tooth loss. However, there is good news. You can reverse gum disease if you catch it early and even if its more advanced. Here are the steps you need to take in order to start getting more serious about your dental hygiene and reverse gum disease.

From Quick Guide: Gum Disease
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Floss
  • Oral Irrigator
  1. Step 1

    Brush your teeth in the mornings and evenings and after meals if you can. Use a good toothpaste and brush for two minutes in soft scrubbing circles. Make sure you get all along your gum line and your tongue.

  2. Step 2

    Rinse your mouth with mouthwash twice a day for a minimum of 30 seconds each time. This will kill most of the bacteria that brushing leaves behind.

  3. Step 3

    Floss in between your teeth everyday and after meals, if possible. Getting deep below the gum line is necessary if you want to reverse gum disease.

  4. Step 4

    Brush your teeth using an oral irrigator. You can purchase one of these with a special tip that gets into pockets between your gums and teeth and is very effective at cleaning and helping reversing gum disease.

  5. Step 5

    Get your teeth and gums professionally cleaned at your dentist office.

Tips & Warnings
  • Some forms of gum disease are too advanced and will need a procedure done at your dentist office in order to get your teeth and gums healthy again.
  • Get a soft bristle toothbrush because it is just as effective as a hard bristle toothbrush.
  • If you can only brush once a day, brush in the evenings.

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