The plaque buildup that leads to gingivitis can be prevented with twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and twice-daily rinsing with an effective antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE®.
Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
Typically, rinsing for 30 seconds twice a day (after brushing and flossing) is what's recommended to help kill bacteria, keep breath fresh and get rid gingivitis.
Listerine® mouthwash for gingivitis guarantees 24-hour protection from bacteria that can cause gum disease. Gingivitis mouthwash combats germs above and below the gum line to help protect it from gum disease and plaque.
If you have gingivitis, sensitive teeth or gums, using a mouthwash with alcohol could worsen your symptoms and make the healing process more unpleasant than it needs to be. So now that we know to avoid alcohol in our mouthwash, what is the best mouthwash for periodontitis (periodontal disease)?
Listerine UltraClean oral care antiseptic mouthwash
Their UltraClean Antiseptic Mouthwash provides 24-hour protection against the germs that cause plaque and gingivitis.
Mouthwash will help kill the bad bacteria in your mouth, so it can certainly help you prevent gum disease before it starts. Fortunately, it can also help reverse gingivitis, so it's definitely something to have in your arsenal against gum disease.
Treatment Time for Gingivitis
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare. Keep in mind that there are many, many factors that can change the timeline.
While LISTERINE® mouthwash products can help prevent early gum disease, they are not indicated to treat periodontitis. For more information about the differences between gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis, click here.
Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums. Dusky red or dark red gums. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
The bacteria growing below the gum line (sub-gingival dental plaque) have a foul smell and contribute to bad breath if not removed. Signs that you have gum disease are bleeding on brushing or flossing, inflamed looking gums, bad breath.
One study found that if you're starting from level 1 gingivitis, it takes an average of 66.8 weeks, which is a little over 15 months, to develop into periodontitis. If your gingivitis is more advanced than this, it takes less time.
Gingivitis, The First Stage Of Gum Disease, Is Reversible
If you have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, your condition can be reversed and eliminated. This is because, by definition, gingivitis does not cause any permanent damage to your teeth and gums. It's the first and most common stage of gum disease.
A saltwater rinse can be performed three to four times a week, but it is important that you don't go beyond this because salt contains sodium, and too much sodium can impact your tooth enamel negatively.
While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health. Gum grafting involves taking soft tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it onto your gums.
Mouthwash can be used every day if instructed by your dentist. However, make sure to also follow the instructions on your specific product, including how often to use it and how much to use.
Gingivitis occurs in 3 out of 4 of Americans during their lifetime, but with proper dental care early on, it's easily reversed. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
When performed properly, gum massage increases blood flow to your gum tissue. This increase in blood flow leads to the circulation of even more nutrient-rich blood to gum tissue to help fight gum disease and improve overall gum health.
Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is an antibacterial mouth rinse that is used to treat gingivitis (redness and swelling of the gum), but you'll need a prescription to use it.