We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Tips for Reversing Gingivitis?

Alex Tree
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,869
Share

Millions of people have gingivitis and are not even aware of it, believing that bleeding gums are normal when brushing. Reversing gingivitis after it has thrived for a long time is likely best done with the help of a dentist, but minor gingivitis cases can sometimes be reversed at home with some know-how and persistence. It is important to brush at least twice daily, being careful to brush longer rather than harder. Flossing at least once per day is also a necessary step of reversing gingivitis. Lastly, if the affected person is using a medium or hard toothbrush or a brush of unknown bristle stiffness, he or she might benefit from switching to a soft toothbrush.

Dental associations around the world are convinced that people need to brush at least twice daily to have a healthy mouth. Still, some studies show that a significant portion of the population neglects to do so, even if they have the resources and time. When brushing the teeth, the brusher should aim to brush longer instead of harder. Brushing hard to eliminate plaque can irritate the gums and damage the enamel of the teeth. To brush for the appropriate amount of time, the brusher can count to a certain number or hum a song that is about two minutes long.

Next, reversing gingivitis might be easier with a toothbrush less likely to cause gum and tooth damage. Many dental associations advise against using brushes other than those labeled soft. Medium to hard toothbrushes can cause damage to gums and teeth, all while not doing a much better job of removing plaque than soft toothbrushes.

Flossing on a daily basis is normally considered a requirement of reversing gingivitis because it helps achieve and maintain healthy gums and teeth. While tooth brushing is important, flossing takes care of the teeth and gums in a slightly different way. It removes food particles and dental plaque around the gum line, a place a toothbrush usually cannot reach.

Visiting a dentist can be an important component of reversing gingivitis. In addition to helping maintain oral health through cleaning the teeth and gums, a dentist can provide advice on methods to prevent gingivitis. It is not typically advised that a person with gingivitis try to reverse it by themselves, and doing so can be dangerous or ineffective. Severe gingivitis may be nearly impossible to reverse without the consistent aid of a qualified oral health professional.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Alex Tree
By Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By robbie21 — On Dec 21, 2011

@jennythelib - I went through something similar. My husband and I both needed treatment for gingivitis after we went a couple of years without seeing a dentist. (We had moved a couple of times, didn't have dental insurance, etc.)

I've always used regular floss and just had to adjust my technique. My husband hadn't been flossing at all because he couldn't reach between his teeth. The hygienist said that a lot of men have that problem because of their thick fingers. Some are happy with those disposable flossers, but my husband like the Reach Access.

They sell it with the floss - it looks a little like a toothbrush handle with a flosser head instead of a toothbrush head. The handle is reusable and you have to buy new flosser heads. It is the most expensive option; floss is the cheapest, and disposable flossers are next. But it is much cheaper than gum disease! Definitely worth it.

By jennythelib — On Dec 21, 2011

When I had a mild case of gingivitis, I was told that the first thing with treating gingivitis is to either start flossing or start flossing *correctly.* A lot of people think they've done their job if they just snap the floss between their teeth. Not so! You have to get the floss under the gumline.

The hygienist taught me to move the floss upwards three times for each side of the space - you have to get under the gum next to each tooth, not just get in between the teeth.

People think of the goal of flossing as removing food caught between the teeth. It certainly can do that, but more importantly, it pulls bacteria from under the gums. The 1-2 punch, as my dentist called it, is to floss and then use an antiseptic mouthwash.

Alex Tree
Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-reversing-gingivitis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.