What you can do to reverse gum disease
You may notice your gums bleeding slightly when you brush and floss. This is the first sign you may have gum disease. You should pay 
attention because over time, gum disease can become periodontal disease. Gum disease is very treatable, and you can reverse it, but periodontal disease is more serious and can potentially cause bone loss. Your dentists at Leading Dental Care in Garden City, New York, want you to know how to reverse your gum disease.
Gum disease is also known as gingivitis, which means “gum inflammation” and is caused by plaque and bacteria accumulating and infecting your gums. Your gums respond by showing all the hallmarks of inflammation. Gum disease is directly related to inadequate oral hygiene. When you have gum disease, you will experience:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when you brush and floss
- Pain when you chew
- Frequent bad breath
As gum disease progresses, your gums may also recede, exposing your tooth roots and making your teeth look longer. You’ve probably heard about a person becoming “long in the tooth” when they get older.
Your dentists at Leading Dental Care want you to know gum disease is quite reversible, by practicing excellent oral hygiene habits that should include:
- Brushing after meals and before you go to sleep
- Flossing at least once daily, preferably more often
You can also include fluoride rinses to strengthen your teeth, especially if you have exposed tooth roots. These instructions may sound simple, but it is surprising how many people don’t practice good oral hygiene habits.
Your excellent dental hygiene regimen is not complete without visiting the dentists at Leading Dental Care. Ideally, you should come in for professional dental cleanings every six months, with an exam and x-rays yearly. You can partner with your dentist to reverse gum disease and get back to enjoying good oral health.
If you have gum disease, don’t wait! Start reversing it today with excellent oral hygiene and a visit to your dentists at Leading Dental Care. You don’t want your gum disease to progress to periodontal disease which can cause you to lose bone, and potentially, your teeth! Call your dentists at Leading Dental Care in Garden City, New York today and get back your oral health!