Gum disease is a progressive dental disease that causes the gums to bleed, feel tender, look puffy and red, and separate from the teeth. This increases your risk of tooth decay, tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration.
Since gum disease develops in stages, however, it’s possible to reverse early gum disease completely and get your healthy smile back. Below are our tips to reverse gum disease.
- Brush & Floss Every Day
- Schedule Routine Dental Cleanings
- Get a Deep Cleaning When Recommended
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Consider Ozone Therapy
The best way to combat gum disease is to eliminate plaque and prevent it from flourishing under the gum line. Maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine to remove bacteria and food particles from between your teeth and under your gums. Floss every day, brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and remember to also brush your tongue!
You should see your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations. The state of your oral health can change pretty quickly, especially if you neglect your oral hygiene, indulge in a poor diet, or use tobacco products. Regular checkups allow your dentist to identify gum disease early and recommend treatment before it worsens, requiring more invasive treatment.
Early gum disease is characterized by mild gum inflammation and irritation. More serious gum disease causes pockets to form between the gums and teeth. This will require scaling and root planing. Scaling involves deep cleaning under the gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Root planing is smoothing of the tooth root so the gums can reattach to the tooth.
Foods and beverages that are high in sugar can be damaging to your teeth and speed up the development of gum disease. Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and high in essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Doing so will not only boost your oral health but also your overall health.
South Texas Smiles is a holistic dental office, meaning we focus on your oral health through the lens of the whole body. We also use holistic materials that are safe for your overall health. Ozone therapy uses ozone-infused water or gas to help kill viruses and bacteria and promote healthy cell growth. We use ozone therapy to address infections and diseases such as gum disease to kill harmful bacteria below the gum line before it builds up and causes serious problems.
Affordable Holistic Dentist in San Antonio, TX
If you’re experiencing swollen, bleeding gums when you brush or floss, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We’ll conduct a thorough examination to determine whether or not you have gum disease and develop a custom treatment plan to restore the health of your smile.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today! Check out our financial page to learn more about how we keep our treatments affordable for patients of all backgrounds.
