Curing Gingivitisa dental hygienist explains how to treat gingivitisCuring gingivitis requires a sense of awareness combined with good habits and a little persistence. Following these instructions will eventually result in healthier gums.
I am amazed at how quickly gums with gingivitis respond and heal when they are given a little daily attention :)
What is gingivitis?
It is inflammation of your gums. Inflamed gums look red, swollen, and bleed easily.
Of all the signs of gingivitis, bleeding gums is the most reliable indicator. If you have nothing to compare to, how do you know if your gums are red or swollen??? But...if they bleed when you brush or floss...that's not good and is a sign of gingivitis or more advanced gum disease. Here's the catch: If you are not brushing or flossing properly, your gums may not bleed. That doesn’t mean you don't have gingivitis. Only that you are missing your gums entirely :( So...double and triple check your brushing technique and watch for signs of gingivitis. Curing GingivitisCuring gingivitis requires a little persistence to get past the sore gum stage. When you first start brushing and flossing correctly, your gums will be sore. Many make the mistake of backing off or quitting at this point. That is why I recommend curing gingivitis in stages. Pardon the pun but....if you bite off more than you can chew, it's easy to get discouraged. Make it easy on yourself and your gums. Start with daily gum massages.
Step oneWe all love a good massage...right? Your gums really love a good massage :) Here's how to give your gums a healing massage.After one week of daily gum massages followed by some listerine swishing, your gums should be healthier, firmer, pinker, bleed less, and feel better.
Step two
Now you are ready to floss....you knew it
had to happen sometime:) Review the instructions for
good flossing technique.
Then be sure
you choose the
right dental floss for you.
The wrong floss will make flossing difficult and more frustrating.
Floss your lower front and upper front four or six teeth. Be sure to use good form. Watch yourself in the mirror until you are sure the floss is wrapping around your tooth and sliding between your tooth and gum...it should go under your gum. When you feel confident about your technique, add a tooth or two each day working your way back to your molars. Always check for smoothness with your tongue. You may need another 10 minute gum massage or two while your gums are getting used to being flossed.
The resultYou should be flossing all the way back to your molars now and having very little or no bleeding at all.
Helpful gadgets
A professional cleaning is important to have your pockets measured and evaluated. If you had gingivitis for a long time you might have gum disease that needs further treatment. If you still have gingivitis symptoms your cure for gingivitis may require a look at these contributing factors. Some cases of gingivitis need professional care. If you don't see improvement in your symptoms after one week, see your dentist or dental hygienist. The good news: Your dental check up and cleaning will be a lot more comfortable with your new healthier gums!
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