If you have gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease, it might not be too late to reverse it. At this point, it is more of a warning that you need to take better care of your teeth and gums and prevent it from turning into periodontal disease. Here are some tips for acting fast and attempting to reverse gingivitis and keep it from worsening.

See Your Dentist First

The very first thing you should do when you suspect that you have gum disease is visit your dentist. They will examine your teeth and gums and let you know whether or not you have gingivitis and what your next steps should be. This might be getting a thorough cleaning or providing periodontal treatment if it has already started to advance. For gums that are infected, antibiotics might be prescribed. Some signs that you need to see your dentist about potential gum disease include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and gums that are tender to the touch.

Brush and Floss Twice Daily

You also need to take really good care of your teeth. If you got gum disease by brushing and flossing just once a day, increase it to twice. If you have been vigilant about oral hygiene, ask your dentist for any pointers. You might not be using the right toothbrush, not brushing for long enough, or may be in need of an electric toothbrush. Also let the dentist or hygienist show you the proper method for flossing your teeth since this also makes a big difference.

Make a Saline Rinse

An oral saline rinse uses warm water, salt, and sometimes baking soda. This can be used as an oral rinse a few times a day to clean your teeth and gums and get rid of bacteria in between brushing and flossing your teeth, such as following meals. It is also great at using following oral surgery to clean the tooth pocket or to help get rid of a canker sore. A simple oral rinse is nothing more than warm water with salt in it. You can also add some baking soda to provide even better cleansing of the bacteria in our mouth.

Eat Nutritious Foods

Following a healthy diet is important for overall health, not just for weight loss. You should also eat healthy to reverse gum disease, as nutritious foods contain vitamins and minerals that are good for your gums. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, staying away from foods that overly salty, sugary, or fatty.

For more information, talk to your dentist.