Reverse Gingivitis

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Reverse Gingivitis?
   I have been wearing braces for about 2 months now that my teeth are shifting im noticing that my gums ar going back and im getting small gaps in between the teeth.
   My old dentis told me i had gingivitis(2 years ago).
   If this has anything to do with ging. how would i reverse it and is there any treatment?

   • ANSWER:
     brush you teeth! use this toothpaste called arm and hammer peroxide and baking soda whitening. and listerene is proven to kill gingivitis (according to their commercials anyway lol)

2. QUESTION:
   How do I reverse gingivitis at home, without going to the dentist?
   Or do I have to? Because I avoid the dentist like a STD.

   • ANSWER:

3. QUESTION:
   How long does it take to reverse gingivitis?
   My mouth looks normal, so I don’t think it’s in terrible condition. But my gums are sensitive, and whenever I floss they bleed a bit (in certain areas). I’ve been observing better hygiene for over a week to try to fix this, brushing/flossing/rinsing with mouthwash every day, but they are still sensitive and bleed when I floss.

   How much time does it usually take?

   • ANSWER:

4. QUESTION:
   is there a way to reverse gingivitis?
   I have some gingivitus on two of my teeth next to a missing tooth. Is there a way i can get my gums to come back down to cover the exposed tooth?

   • ANSWER:
     Gingivitis can be reversed, it only affects the gums themselves. Causing inflammation and redness, maybe a little bleeding and soreness. This can all go away with very good oral habits such as brushing a least 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes, flossing daily and using a mouthrinse such as Crest Prohealth. If your gums have receded and the root surface is exposed then the gum will never grow back over the root. Once the gum is gone it is gone. There are things that can be done such as a gum graft but that’s usually only done if there is extreme sensitivity or other issues. Periodontist afftects the gums and the bone that hold the teeth in. It is more involved then gingivits. Hope this helps

5. QUESTION:
   how long does it take to reverse gingivitis?
   My dentist says I have this, how long before it goes away? he says 6 weeks, but I’ve heard 1 week.

   • ANSWER:
     It really depends on how well you take care of your teeth after you realize you have it. To speed up healing time, floss 1-2 times everyday, brush 2-3 times everyday, and use Listerine. And once it goes away, follow these habits so it will not return. ANd always remember to see your dentist every 6 months.

6. QUESTION:
   How easy is it to reverse gingivitis? What did you or someone you know do that was successful?

   • ANSWER:
     It’s not that easy. First, start by flossing at least once a day and softly brushing your gums. Try to find an OTC mouthwash that helps reduce gingivitis, like ACT. If your gums have developed pockets, you will need to see a dentist to have a professional deeper cleaning, called perio-scaling and root planing. By doing these things, you should start to see reduced inflammation and less bleeding.

7. QUESTION:
   What can i do to reverse gingivitis?

   • ANSWER:
     Brushing thoroughly and flossing every day will help, but once you have gingivitis, it is often necessary to have professional care from a periodontist. I am sure this is not what you wanted to hear, so at least start with thorough brushing twice a day plus flossing at least once a day.

8. QUESTION:
   How do you reverse the effects of gingivitis?
   I’ve had swollen gums since before I can remember! I’ve tried brushing regularly, maybe I’m not brushing right, I’ve tried flossing every day, all of this and nothing changed. My dentist just says to brush more, I ask him how, and he doesn’t even show me. I now can’t afford to go see a dentist because of the economy, so I’m stuck looking for answers anywhere I can find them. Please help.

   • ANSWER:
     You don’t want to go to any dentist who will not show you how to brush properly.

     Just Google it and that should get you the proper technique.

9. QUESTION:
   How can i reverse ,what i think may be, gingivitis?
   I think I may have it and I want to know what steps to take to reverse and cure it

   • ANSWER:
     Gingervitis is like herpes, it’s forever. You can try to mask it with some hair dye, but most people will still be able to detect the ginger that lies within you.

10. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to reverse gingivitis?
    I’ve had gingivitis (swollen/red gums) pretty much my entire life. I’ve always had pretty good dental hygiene, but I never flossed or use mouthwash regularly. When I would go to the dentist, flossing would be very painful and I would bleed a lot.

    I have made reasonable efforts to try and reverse my gum problem. I picked up an electric toothbrush, ~90 floss picks and some mouthwash. By brushing with an electric brush 2-3 times a day, flossing twice a day and using mouthwash twice a day, can I reverse gingivitis? Like I said earlier, its been a problem of mine almost my whole life

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, gingivitis can be reversed. The first step, however, is to remove as much of the disease from your gums as possible. This means root planing and scaling. If you have suffered from gum disease for your whole life, you have probably had this done at least once already.

      After the dentist or hygienist gets your teeth and gums in as good shape as possible, then the brushing and flossing can keep matters from getting worse again. But some people are just terribly vulnerable to gingivitis, and I don’t think anyone really knows why this is. It sounds like you ae one of those people, so you are going to have this as a constant struggle, and you may need more advanced (and, sadly, more expensive) periodontal treatment. BTW, unless your dentist or hygienist has told you to floss twice a day, once a day is enough. There is a small risk that too much flossing, like brushing too hard, can damage the gum tissues and make you more subject to disease. In my case, I floos once a day before bedtime, and then I floss if I happen to feel something stuck in my teeth.

11. QUESTION:
    Can flossing and rinsing everyday reverse gingivitis and make red gums pink again?? Please help!!?
    Typically people are either born with strong teeth or strong gums. Personally, I have strong teeth but my gums are more prone to gingivitis and gum disease. I’m 24 and I’ve been to the dentist but honestly its been awhile since my last check-up where I had to have scaling (deep cleaning under the gums) done. It was not fun and it hurt…bad. Since then I’ve never really stayed on top of the flossing. I brush with Crest Cavity Protection toothpaste, floss, and rinse with Listerine maybe once a week. Just within the last couple of days, I have started rinsing twice a day and flossing once a day along with regular brushing. The fresh feeling is amazing and I can immediately tell that this is what I needed to be doing all along and I know most of you will say to go see a dentist (which I plan on) but my question to you is…

    1) If I brush/rinse with Listerine twice a day and floss once a day could it possibly reverse gingivitis?

    2) Will my gums eventually become healthy and pink again instead of red and inflamed?

    And….

    3) How long before I start seeing any positive results? (i.e. how long before gums should stop bleeding?)

    Thanks for your help and again, I already know I need to go to the dentist.

    Um…I’m 5’7, 115 lbs., take vitamins everyday, and I’ve never done drugs in my life.

    • ANSWER:
      That will definitely help! Gingivitis can be reversed in five days if you keep doing what your doing every day. And if you do it everyday for a month, you’ll probably have all of it completely gone, and your gums will be healthy and pink again. I hope I helped!

12. QUESTION:
    can you reverse gingivitis?
    can gingivitis and receeding gums be reversed…I’ve heard it both ways yes and no

    • ANSWER:
      Gingivitis and receding gums to be addressed separately. Gingivitis is inflammation of your gums and as long as it hasn’t progressed to periodontal disease (underlying bone loss) it is totally reversible with good oral hygiene. Just brush and floss regularly.

      Receding gums can be caused by a variety of different factors such as periodontal disease or brushing too hard. If you can stop what is causing it, the recession will stop but they won’t grow back. In severe cases a periodontist (a gum specialist) can graft tissue from your palate in order to replace some of the lost gums.

13. QUESTION:
    If I floss and brush my teeth before bed, in the morning, and right after dinner can I reverse gingivitis?
    please help!!

    • ANSWER:
      dentist & hygienist say only floss once per day. Doing it more is not necessary. If you floss & use mouthwash you can reverse the signs. My gums stopped bleeding & they are not pushed back so far now.

14. QUESTION:
    how to reverse gingivitis?
    ways to reverse red/receding gumlines at home

    • ANSWER:
      What you can do at home is to get on a strict program of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial rinses such as Peridex. It would be best to accompany this with a good professional cleaning and evaluation of how severe the gingivitis is. Good luck

15. QUESTION:
    How do you reverse gingivitis quickly?
    I have the most painful sores in the deep corners of my mouth. It hurts really bad. My gums peel, and I have canker sores, but I have no cavities and really nice white teeth. How can I treat this.
    I have a good toothbrush. I have a SoniCare. I use it every day. I think they are large canker sores. They really hurt deep in my jaw.
    And I just went to the Dentist two days ago for a cleaning and she said nothing was wrong, then it got worse.
    I have rinsed with mouthwashes, hydrogen peroxide…. tried everything.
    I think its both.
    Please rate this or mark it or whatever you do to make it popular so I can get more answers.

    • ANSWER:
      There is no medical canker sore remedy that will cure canker sores, however there are products that can help speed healing and manage any discomfort. OraMD® is an all-natural dental care product made from the essential oils of almond, spearmint, and peppermint. OraMD®, is an all natural canker sore remedy that can be very effective at speeding healing and helping treat the discomfort of canker sores.

16. QUESTION:
    How to reverse/prevent progress of gingivitis? 10 points!?
    Its been 3 years since my last dentist visit, and since I have no insurance I have to pay out of pocket. I can’t see him for about 1.5-2weeks.

    My question is how do I prevent gingivitis from progressing, or possibly help reverse it until the time I can see my dentist.

    I’ve noticed my gums have been bleeding a lot lately for about 3 days, and its a constant on/off bleeding throughout the day. Bad breath, and its intensified when I brush.

    I have stopped flossing because it aggravates the gums too much, and I have been gently brushing 3 or 4 times a day. I have been using Listerine mouth wash in the morning and in the evening, and I just started to rinse my mouth with warm salt water. With the salt water, do I want to rinse with listerine 30mins/1hr afterward or just let it sit?

    Any other techniques or advice is greatly appreciated. Please do not state the obvious “you need to see a dentist ASAP,” I am well aware and I will do so as soon as I can.

    • ANSWER:

17. QUESTION:
    gingivitis question here?
    I was wondering if anyone knows if you can reverse gingivitis and exactly how? I am a mother of two and can’t afford to go to the dentist myself that’s how they got so bad.

    • ANSWER:
      Make sure you brush 2 times a day for at least
      2 minutes at a time.
      make sure you focus on what you eat and drink
      try to brush after really salty or sweet foods.
      cut back on soda for a little
      floss when you brush, and use a mouthwash,
      and don’t forget to do any of those things.
      when you brush, softly and slowly brush your gum line in a circular motion too.
      This will LESSEN the gingivitis, but it won’t really get rid of it..
      you still need some type of dental assistance.

18. QUESTION:
    Is stannous fluoride better than sodium fluoride for gum health?
    I have persistent gingivitis and can’t afford a dentist. Crest pro-health claims it can help reverse Gingivitis. Really? The only difference is it contains stannous fluoride. What does it do?
    My gingivitis is caused by medication. I brush and floss regularly.

    • ANSWER:
      Stannous fluoride, unlike other flourides, has a tendency to inhibit the growth of bateria which are involved in gum disease. As a result, the plaque is less toxic to the gums.

      All things being equal (e.g. flossing, brushing, dental visits), you should do better with a toothpaste with stannous fluoride. The reason why most toothpastes use sodium fluoride instead of stannous fluoride is because the latter tends to cause light staining of the teeth over time. You got a choice of health or aesthetics.

19. QUESTION:
    Braces and Gingivitis?
    I am 13 years old.

    I’ve had braces on since October 2008. Ive slowly have gotten bad gums. I recently visited my dentist and he told me i have gingivitis. i’m very scared over this.

    I brushed and right after I notice there is still plaque under my braces brackets and they are difficult to get to.

    I honestly do brush atleast 3x a day and floss.

    Is my braces the cause of my gingivitis? How should I brush with braces on? Can i reverse gingivitis? Should I have my wires removed?

    Help please! I’m only 13 and afraid.

    • ANSWER:
      The braces aren’t the exact cause of your gingivitis. Since you have braces, I’d brush at least twice as long as you would without braces. They also make special toothbrushes and floss for braces to try and make brushing easier for you. Also, although at times it can be messy, Agent Cool Blue (mouth wash) can help you find plaque on your teeth.

      You can definitely reverse gingivitis. Simply brush your gums (more) and be sure to not leave any plaque along your gum line next to the tooth. Unfortunately, your gums might be sore when brushing with gingivitis and it is normal for your gums to bleed. As you continue to brush your gums over time, they will eventually become stronger and won’t be as sore every time you brush.

20. QUESTION:
    To get rid of gingivitis, will this work?
    If I brush with Crest Total 3-5 times a day, floss 1-2 times a day, rinse with salt water 2 times a day, rise with a mouth wash 2 times a day, and rubbing my gums a bit. Will this reverse gingivitis alone. I am committed to get rid of it before my next dental checkup in a few months. I want to rid of this so I can focus on whitening (and protection of course). Is there any other products I should consider? Thankyou .

    • ANSWER:
      Crest makes a new toothpaste called Clinical Gum Protection and it’s designed specifically for treating gingivits. You want to brush at least 3 times a day and floss at least morning and night. For a mouthrinse use Listerine, Biotene, or Crest Pro Health. Floss first, then brush, then rinse with the mouthwash. As for salt water and rubbing your gums that will not help you in this case. Also if you can afford a power toothbrush they are well worth it. Sonicare is the best but can be pricey around 0, a good starter power tooth brush is the Oral B Vitality which costs around . Gingivitis is 100% reversible is caught early enough before it turns into Periodontitis. If you are committed to good brushing and flossing habits and regular cleanings at your dental office I think you will be able to get your gums healthy again. Good luck!

21. QUESTION:
    help for canine gingivitis?
    My dog is very, very small, and anesthesia is too dangerous for her (her vet advised that anesthesia should only be used on her in an emergency), and even the tiny rawhides are impossible for her to chew. Today my vet advised that she has gingivitis I can barley fit a baby toothbrush in her mouth, but I do what I can. Anything else I could try to reverse/prevent gingivitis and promote health gums and teeth?

    • ANSWER:
      A term that is getting a lot of television air play – at least in oral hygiene product commercials – is that of gingivitis. It presents with swollen and bleeding gums and by and large is known to be an inflammation of the gum tissue that is most visible at the gum line where teeth and tissue meet. Plaque that is found on teeth is to blame for swollen gums and subsequent worsening of the gum inflammation and although daily oral hygiene will remove some of it, for a complete removal a visit to the dental health care professional is in order.

      When swollen gums point to gingivitis, sufferers will do well to realize that their inflammation has reached an advanced stage and since plaque is at the root of this problem, the odds or also developing cavities and other problems within the oral cavity are increasing. The longer the plaque and swollen gums are ignored, the worse the situation will most likely become, and no amount of vigorous brushing, flossing, and even mouth rinsing will do away with plaque which has already formed and hardened to such an extent as to adhere to the teeth.

      Source: http://www.themouthdoctor.co.uk/gumdisease/29-whenswollengumspointtogingivitis.html

22. QUESTION:
    What should I do About my gingivitis?
    I am up to the point where my teeth are a little loose but not rotting. I would like to know what I should do to reverse this at home. can anyone help?

    • ANSWER:

23. QUESTION:
    How can I reverse bleeding gums until I get dental coverage?
    I currently experience some gum bleeding almost every time I brush. I normally brush twice a day, but I have increased the amount/duration of brushing in an effort to keep my mouth clean and kill the gingivitis. I usually use listerine immediately after brushing. I also have a bottle of Chlorhexidine (not sure of the spelling) which was prescribed to me about a year and a half ago when my wisdom teeth were breaking through. The expiration date has passed, so I am reluctant to use it. Is the expiration date on Chlorhexidine important? My bottle says to discard after 4/11/06, but I was hoping that it would last longer.

    Other things to consider:
    - I currently have no dental insurance, but I expect to be insured when I graduate law school in 5/07, so I’d like to avoid having to go for now
    - I have ordered a Sonicare e9000 electric brush, hopefully this will help matters
    - I read some favorable reviews of the Oral-B Hummingbird electric flosser. Is it any good?

    • ANSWER:
      Listerine doesn’t kill the gingivitis, but it does kill the germs that cause the gingivitis (just like the bottle says). Continue using the Listerine, and do not used expired products, as there are chemicals that, after a certain period, do not perform as they are supposed to perform (like chemical breakdown).
      If you are having a large amount of bleeding from brushing, try the following:
      1: Get a soft-bristled toothbrush, and replace it every 3-4 months.
      2: Be sure to brush your gums while you brush your teeth, as this may break loose some build-up under the gumline.
      3: Try the brush-floss-brush again method. It worked for me once.
      4: Don’t overbrush. Usually 2-3 minutes is a good time for brushing, and brushing for long periods may tear your gums more than they can heal in between brushings.
      5: Brush and floss after every meal until you get to the dentist and get that dental work (may require quadrant detail cleaning such as scaling, where they clean under the gums, and planing, where they surgically move the gum from the tooth, clean the tooth quadrant, then surgically stitch the gums back around the areas to help promote gum growth, it’s not painful, don’t be scared of the dentist’s office). Food that sits in between your teeth from lunch until you’re ready to go to bed is allowed to wedge into the affected bleed areas, and may cause more buildup under the gumline.

24. QUESTION:
    reversing gingivitis?
    i’ve already started by brushing after meals and twice a day at least with flossing. I use an electric toothbrush is that too vigorous? in general should i be soft or vigorous on the gums? i also use Listerine twice a day so should i do anything else, any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:

25. QUESTION:
    Questions about Gingivitis ?
    I’ve had braces for almost a year, I’ve been doing everything right except for flossing, I know how to do it, I just don’t usually have enough time, if i need to I will definitely make time, I’d just like to know is that; is gingivitis is completely reversible? (not permanent) and will flossing and using mouthwash completely reverse the gingivitis?
    ok, some extra details, because now I’m not even too sure if it is gingivitis, it’s like my gums have come down a little bit towards the brackets and they seem a little puffy, but they are still pretty hard, plus they appear to be the right color (which I assume is from brushing right), but will my gums go back up away from the brackets if I keep flossing and brushing regularly.

    • ANSWER:
      1= GINGIVITIS IS 100% REVERSIBLE
      HOW?
      2= USE A WATERPIK DAILY, MUCH BETTER AND FASTER THAN FLOSSING

26. QUESTION:
    Does Crest’s Pro Health toothpaste really work?
    I wondered if this toothpaste can really reverse gingivitis in 4 weeks as advertised.

    • ANSWER:
      yes.

27. QUESTION:
    Can gingivitis be reversed?

    • ANSWER:
      it depends. If your intradental gingiva is destroyed, it may not be reversible. Mild form of gingivitis is reversible but if turned to periodotitis, its difficult.

28. QUESTION:
    Toothbrushes and gingivitis?
    My sister has gingivitis and shes trying to help it but I told her I heard that once you have it you can’t get rid of it. I saw on tv some toothbrush that helps with gingivitis. Is there any toothbrushes that help reverse it or atleast get it under control? If you can help that would be great.

    • ANSWER:
      Gingivitis is reversible. it is inflammation of the gums caused from too much plaque (Biofilm) on and under the gums.
      Using any soft toothbrush at a proper angle to the gums will eventually allow the gums to heal. 2-3 minutes at least twice a day at a 45 degree angle to the gum and tooth. Change a soft brush every 2-3 months.
      Floss once a day (anytime) with a “c” shape around the tooth under the gumline making up and down movements.on each tooth. It takes about 5-7 days to finally get the gums to heal if you have had your teeth professionally cleaned of any tartar buildup and you do your daily routine of brushing and flossing. You can rinse with warm salt water to help soothe the gums during this time.
      Using a paste of baking soda, peroxide and pinch of salt is also good for a day or so.
      Electric toothbrushes are helpful because they usually have timers on them to help keep you brushing the proper amount of time.

29. QUESTION:
    how can gingivitis be reversed?

    • ANSWER:
      deep cleaning with the dentist. and follow their advise. if it’s a severe type, they might prescribe antibiotics

30. QUESTION:
    Help! I have severe gingivitis. My dentist gave me two weeks time to improve. Any ideas?
    Hi!

    I have severe gingivitis. I was shocked when my dentist told me that I would eventually loose my teeth. I am only 20. I have braces, so flossing is tedious. I did not floss for years, and not my gums bled when the dentist was scaling. She refused to go with scaling, and gave me two weeks to improve, before she will decide on telling the orthodontist to remove my braces, or not. My lower gums are already receding, but teeth is intact.

    I am worried. I recently took up flossing seriously, but don’t know how it will reverse the effects. How do I make my gums stronger, and reverse the receding effects? I try mouthwash, but it burns. I brush, but am not to sure if it’s enough. How can I make drastic changes happen within two weeks? Please help. Thank you very much.

    • ANSWER:
      Most people don’t know how to REALLY FLOSS. To floss effectively you must floss BELOW the gum line on each side of each tooth. I had major mouth surgery and have used lots of different floss brands, and i recommend the Crest Glide deep clean microtexture variety. Since you have braces, try using crest glide flossing strips that have one stiff end to thread under your wires.

      Flossing effectively will help clean up your gingivitis, but i also recommend a WaterPik or HydroFloss to really strengthen your gums and get rid of the inflammation. These products pulse water at high pressure to clean below the gumline on all sides of your teeth. I use a hydrofloss and it really works.

31. QUESTION:
    My gums are receding.. HELP?!?
    I live in a fairly poor family and we don’t have the money to go see a dentist. I’ve seen a couple of dentists when I was younger. The last dentist I went to say that I had the beginning signs of gingivitis.

    Of course, I began flossing and brushing more so than I use too but that doesn’t seem to be helping. I’ve googled how to “grow gums back” and “how to reverse gingivitis” but those never seem to be helpful for a 13 year old girl.

    My family doesn’t have the money to buy a product and/or take me to the dentist, again. So I need some kind of home remedy, etc. With products that are easy to find in a house – that a little girl could find without having to address her parents to much.

    Because I know that their upset with themselves that they don’t have the money to take me.

    So let’s recap. Please, don’t comment with the basic “you should go the dentist.” I can’t, my parents don’t have insurance or medical help so saying that won’t help me.

    I need home remedies, etc. Below, I will let you know what I’ve already tried and am currently doing. Most of these tricks don’t seem to be helping.

    1) Salt water.
    2) Baking soda and peroxide.
    3) Brushing gently.
    4) Flossing twice a day.

    None of those things are helping me. I really need some help!

    Let me know if you have any trips to help my gums and make gingivitis go away, it would be very appreciated. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Get a paper route or something, babysit. And then buy some products that will help deal with your gums

      And even save up for a visit to the hygienist, or see if any relatives might be able to help you

32. QUESTION:
    Braces and other tooth questions?
    1. I drink lots of tea, but I’ve been trying not to drink as much anymore. Will I have white spots when I get my braces taken off?
    2. Is there anyway to reverse gingivitis quickly? or at all?
    3. I have to wear rubberbands (usually I forget though) so where are your [top] teeth supposed to be if you wear them regularly (I had/have an overbite). (like where compared to my bottom teeth)???
    For Question 1, If I will have spots, how can I get rid of the spots before I get my braces off?

    I have gingivitis (mildly) and I won’t even think about gargling hyrdogen peroxide so please dont say that.

    • ANSWER:
      1) this can leave marks on you teeth around where the glue was…..so you may have spots it just depends on your dental health.
      2)no but you can look after it by going to a periodontist who specialse in the gums can help you improve you dental health and prevent your gingivitis from getting worse.
      3)your top teeth should be either exactly on top of your bottom teeth or just a tiny bit in front which is usually what is achieved…….please make sure you dont double up your elastics as this actually adds to your needed wearing time

33. QUESTION:
    How can I cure large canker sores and medium/severe gingervitis?
    How do you reverse gingivitis?
    I have the most painful sores in the deep corners of my mouth. It hurts really bad. My gums peel, and I have canker sores, but I have no cavities and really nice white teeth. How can I treat this. I have a good toothbrush. I have a Sonic Care. I use it every day. I think they are large canker sores. They really hurt deep in my jaw. And I just went to the Dentist two days ago for a cleaning and she said nothing was wrong, then it got worse. I have rinsed with mouthwashes, hydrogen peroxide…. tried everything. Help it hurts. MARK THIS INTERESTING SO I CAN GET an ANSWER!
    I JUST WENT TO THE DENTIST!
    Make sure you read the question before you answer it.
    How does SALT water help? That is going to STING so bad, I’m already in pain! It is also going to dry out my mouth and I already have cotton mouth.

    • ANSWER:
      Gingivitis is curable, if left untreated will lead to periodontial disease. You will need to have a thorough exam to diagnosis problems. If you had a cleaning, I would question, why your dentist isn’t treating the gingivitis and other oral problems?

      The canker sores are also treatable with various medications. If the corners of your mouth are affected with canker sores, I’ve had most patients to benefit well from using Abreva at the first sign or sensation of an outbreak. Your dentist should check these areas for an accurate diagnosis.

      Shedding or sloughing of the oral tissue is usually brought on as a reaction to using tartar control toothpaste. Discontinue its use and avoid using any with this ingredient, and it should clear up.

      A sonic care toothbrush is good, but, a toothbrush is only as effective as its use. A person can own an expensive or inexpensive toothbrush and let it occupy space, collecting dust in the bathroom toothbrush holder; it doesn’t do a bit of good for those people. A Sonic care toothbrush is an excellent choice, (I’ve personally used one for over 15 years) but make sure that you are using it correctly and at least twice a day along with a nightly flossing, or more often if needed.

      If you have sores in your mouth and your dentist saw these, said nothing was wrong, then you should probably find a new dentist. I would also recommend that you discontinue the use of peroxide; it is too harsh and will keep the sores irritated and open much longer if its use is extended or used incorrectly, try Listerine (diluted with water if necessary) instead for several days before any benefits are to be noticed. You should see an improvement in a few days, although you would benefit better from an antibiotic rinse such as Peridex.

      I hope I’ve given you some helpful information and that you take this advice as it is, just advice. You need to have an accurate diagnosis and be treated accordingly to prevent further damage to your tissue and teeth. Have a consultation with another dentist, get their opinion. You may be surprised at the difference in how another dentist will advise and treat your condition and how you feel afterwards. Don’t wait too long; the damage caused from gingivitis left untreated, may not be restorable. I hope I’ve been of some help and good luck with your further treatment.

      additional information: swishing with salt water will ease the soreness you are experiencing with the tissue, it will not “cure” the gingivitis, this will need to be treated.

      If you have “dry mouth” already, this may be the reason for the sores and the gum tissue problem. Be sure to discuss this with your new dentist.

34. QUESTION:
    I’m scared of gum loss/recession?
    I started my attempt to reverse gingivitis a few days ago and learned online that you can lose parts of your gums and/or they may recede after the inflammatory part. It ALREADY hurts really bad when I brush my gums on top of that I have a mouth FULL of blood. I Don’t want to lose my gums.

    I noticed a small pink part in my mouth full of purple gums. Is that a good thing or bad thing. I’m thinking to get the pink layer it must off receded and I lost a purple layer or something.

    • ANSWER:
      I’m not sure what you’ve done to reverse your gingivitis, but you really can’t do it on your own. You can lose gum tissue, you can lose bone tissue, and if you let it go on you will loose teeth. Get to a dentist or periodontist and get your treatment started.

35. QUESTION:
    gingivitis…?
    my dentist said Im on the border line of getting gingivitis and gum disease.Sum parts of my gums bleed when I floss & when I went for my cleaning I had alot of blood in my mouth to.
    When I floss myself I usually get all the stuff out my teeth that I know of.But they say that food gets caught UNDER the teeth. how do i get that stuff out? Im trying to commit to a healthier teeth lifestyle so I dont end up with dentures by the time Im 30.
    Gum massaging helps….rubbing them with baking soda or peroxide helps….what else?
    How can I clean the stuff out from my teeth that gets stuck under it? How can I make my gums not bleed anymore?I wanna go back to the dentist and nothave a mouth full of blood anymore.

    & i have8 cavities.i know theres no way of reversing them…you know getting rid of them since they are adult teeth or is there? how can I make my teeth stronger so they dont get any bigger?

    please include pictures of bad teeth…i need to scare myself so i dont end up like that

    • ANSWER:
      Bacterial plaque is what causes gingivitis and cavities, so what you need to do is make sure your teeth have as little plaque on them as possible at all times.

      Things you can do to stack the odds in your favor:

      1 – Brush your teeth, tongue and gums thoroughly after each meal and before bed. Those are the critical times when there are plenty of debris on your teeth that’s feeding the germs that make up the plaque. Make sure you are reaching far back enough with your brush to clean your rearmost teeth. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel.

      2 – If you can’t get to a toothbrush after a meal, chew sugarless gum. It will help clear the sugar from your mouth and protect your teeth against decay.

      3 – Avoid sugary foods and drinks. The germs grow best on sugar.

      4 – Go to the dentist and get the cavities filled. Festering cavities serve as germ reservoirs, from which they can repopulate your entire mouth within minutes after you brush. That’s why people with cavities find it difficult to keep their teeth clean– it’s a vicious circle.

      5 – 6-month checkups and cleanings to detect cavities while they are small and cheap to repair.

      Hope this helps.

36. QUESTION:
    I have gingivitis : (?
    I feel gross. I brush my teeth twice daily, but until now I didnt floss regularly or use mouthwash. I really really want to have a nice pretty mouth, can I really reverse this? I’m scared that my teeth are going to fall out before I even reach my thirties! i feel disgusting!

    also, I don’t have health insurance and I can’t afford it but I have cavities and my wisdom teeth need to be pulled. Is there an affordable and professional place to get these procedures done in the Boston are?

    I know I should have worried about these oral problems a lot sooner (im 19 now) but I didnt go to the dentist regularly as a kid and now I’m paying the price.

    • ANSWER:
      Check the internet for dental schools in your area; contact them and see if you can be taken as a patient in their teaching clinic.

      Also, call your local hospital and ask them if they can refer you to any dental clinics in your area that charge on a sliding scale.

      You can also enlist in the military and they’ll fix your teeth (eventually) for nothing, but you’ll be trading four years for it. (Although if you lack a good education or a good job, you will also have a chance to learn a skill.)

37. QUESTION:
    Listerine Vs. other mouthwashes?
    I was wondering if Listerine is any better than other mouthwashes. Listerine’s ads claim that their mouthwash protects teeth and gums for 24 hours and reverses gingivitis. Are the active ingredients in Listerine superior to other mouthwashes. Also, which active ingredients should I look for in a mouthwash.

    Thank so much!

    • ANSWER:
      Listerine is no better than any other mouthwash really. They just have very clever advertisment. The active ingredient is fluoride.

      You want to get a mouthwash that has lots of fluoride in it. Check the back of the bottles, fluoride levels are measured in ppm (parts per million). The higher the better.

      One down side of listerine is that it conatin quite a high percentage of alcohol. There is conflicting evidence to show that this can be detrimental to oral health. People can experience a dry mouth and ulcers can be exacerbated. It is particularly bad for smokers as it can increase chance of getting oral cancer. But the alcohol does help to kill bacteria in the mouth too. so its a double edged sword.

      Maybe going for an alcohol free mouthwash might be a good idea. but other than that all mouthwashes are equally effective.

38. QUESTION:
    Serious gum pain. What do I do?
    I recently went to the dentist to get a cleaning and they told me I had gingivitis. I had never realized I had gingivitis because I never felt any pain. When I got home I began a immediately began brushing, flossing, ect. The next day, my gums were inflamed and felt like they were on fire. I noticed they looked slightly cut up. I realized that I had brushed too hard along the gum line; I was definitely rough. What can I do to help heal my gums? I can’t just stop brushing, can I? Keep in mind I’m trying to reverse my gingivitis. Answer quickly because the pain is so bad I’m tempted to just rip my f**king teeth out.

    • ANSWER:
      Maybe get some tooth ache drops, put it on your gums, or even bonjella – its used for babies teething.

39. QUESTION:
    Why do I have pain in my jaw and it hurts to brush my teeth?
    I started experiencing pain in my left jaw, similar to nerve dying pain (I’ve had several root canals so I know what it feels like)….it was sensitive to cool air and had that pressure type feeling – but usually only in the morning. That started 4 days ago, then yesterday it started to hurt to brush my gum line on that same side, lower jaw, right around the tooth that just had a root canal about 4 months ago. And know I notice when I pull the lip away and look at it that it’s very red and had an indentation. YIKES! what is that? I have had all sorts of mouth problems and am hoping this is just gingivitis and I can reverse it (I’m a busy mom and probably don’t brush as often [2x/day] or as thoroughly as I should [2mins] and I never floss – I hate it). But I’ve also had other issues, like needing to have tissue removed from the roof of my mouth to the front of my gum line and also another time had the gum “eating” itself that required surgery. Do I need extensive work again???? What am I doing wrong other than not brushing enough? diet? stress?
    Thanks for you answer – I do have a slight on/off irritated feeling in my ear, I’ve never been told I have TM, my mom and daughter grind their teeth – don’t know if that has something to do with it…so I guess I will have to check with a dentist to see if it’s an infection — meaning I should make an appt. right away or would it be ok to wait over the weekend do u think?

    • ANSWER:
      HI THERE. THIS SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU MAY HAVE A INFECTION BREWING IN YOUR GUMS. I TO LIKE YOU, HATE FLOSSING, HOWEVER IT DOES HELP WITH PLAGUE BUILD UP. YOU DIDN’T MENTION, HOWEVER HAVE YOU BEEN EXPERIENCING PAIN IN YOUR EAR? HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TOLD YOU HAVE TM, YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK INTO THIS. IF THE GUM LINE IS VERY RED AND SWORE, MY GUESS WOULD DEFINETLY BE INFECTION, WHICH PROBABLY NEEDS A COURSE OF ANTIBIOTICS. YOU MAY WANT TO TRY WASHING YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH WARM SALT WATER.

40. QUESTION:
    i need help PUHLEASE?
    ok i just found out i have gingivitis for the second time having braces
    my ortho person said if i have it again he will take off my braces and my insurance will not pay to have them put on again
    any suggestions
    i have 2 weeks to reverse or stop it
    any suggestions
    it was my priority at first
    then i realized reality caught up and i got busy

    • ANSWER:
      You clearly aren’t brushing or flossing well enough. Get to it. Stop eating sugary foods and soda.

      After you are done brushing, LOOK AT YOUR TEETH. Are they clean? Do you see any white stuff on the braces or teeth? If you can’t see it, go get some Listerine Cool Blue http://www.listerinekids.com/ and it’ll stain the plaque blue for you.

      I’m glad you’re finally making this a priority, but you should have done this from the beginning.

41. QUESTION:
    EXTREMEly tender gums ? ?
    Hi, ive had gingivitis a few times before. but usually, within a week i can reverse it. however for the past couple weeks, it has come back like extremely. i floss and brush my teeth twice a day every day no matter what and since it has come back i have been doing so even more vigorously…
    but two weeks later they are still extremely tender!! and i have noticed moreso in the morning. and sometimes it feels like they are getting worse even when i dont eat anything after i brush before i go to bed.

    i am going to the dentist soon but for the time being i am in a LOT of pain everytime i floss…like i have to take painkillers because it hurts that bad. idk if anyone can help me here but if you have any advice please tell me!!!

    • ANSWER:
      I can’t say for sure without seeing you but it sounds like you may possibly have a severe form of gingivitis called Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis. This condition is much more painful than regular gingivitis and is often associated with college students because it can be caused by stress, lack of sleep and sometimes alcohol use. You need an antibiotic and then a professional cleaning. It is important that you see your dentist so that whatever is the problem can be diagnosed soon.

42. QUESTION:
    My teeth have been becoming more and more sensitive, any ideas?
    Alright, I will admit my dental hygiene has been lacking, over the last 4 years I have been battling severe depression and for the most part have not brushed my teeth, (yea i know, disgusting : ). So surprisingly nothing was hurting me a bit over a week ago, but as I have been feeling better I have come to pay more attention to the discoloration of my teeth, I constantly drink diet soda so they are pretty brown. I know from not brushing I must have at least gingivitis so I bought the Crest Pro Health toothpaste and mouth rinse which they say can reverse it.

    I have been using it now for a week, twice a day, but the problem is that all day today my teeth have been killing me whenever I drink anything cold. My teeth felt fine when I wasn’t brushing, now that I am my teeth hurt and I have terrible dry mouth. I have no dental insurance or I would go to the dentist. I’ve heard of Sensodyne but for the most part I’ve heard it doesn’t work. Anyone with any suggestions.

    • ANSWER:

43. QUESTION:
    stop receeding gums! 10 points best answer.?
    am 15 years old and about a 2 months ago my dentist told me i had gingivitis so started brushing my teeth better, more frequently, and even began to floss. my gums no longer bleed but .. my gums are receding. I think this is most likely due to me brushing to hard in the past. I started to brush softer and my tooth brush is soft too (I got it from my dentist), but my gums seem to be getting smaller and smaller. I am worried that they are going to fall out. I’m doing everything to stop my gums from getting worse but im still worried about it. I guess my question is what can I do to stop my gums from receding any further.
    the last thing i want is to loose teeth at 15.

    How can I reverse these effects?

    Does the toothpaste have much effect on the healthiness of the teeth??

    What mouthwash can help with the gums??
    I’ve tried listerine, that sort of helped get the bacteria out but it didnt cure my gums.

    HELP PLEASe.
    10 points best answer.

    • ANSWER:
      The health of your teeth are very indicative of your general health overall. If you do NOT get plaque buildup on your teeth, that means you have good hydrochloric acid production in your stomach. If you are getting cavities, that means you have low mineral content in your body and you are eating way too many carbohydrates, along with poor dental hygiene. Primitive people did NOT get cavities and they didn’t have fluoride toothpaste either.

      It is VERY difficult to be healthy in America today. The best way to stop the gingivitis is to get some NEEM OIL and NEEM BARK; mix them together into a paste and apply that to your gums morning and night. In a day or two, no more bleeding (yes I know you solved that) and your gums will start healing in hours. After a few weeks, you will notice your gums getting healthier.

      The next thing is to NOT USE FLUORIDE toothpaste. It is a total myth and lie the dentists are telling you about how great fluoride is. It just makes teeth brittle and makes dentist’s car payments.

      The next thing is to do what is called “Oil pulling.” Take a Tablespoon of coconut oil and put it in your mouth after brushing and swish it around for 2 minutes. Then spit it out. Do not swallow it because it will contain all the bacteria, virus, and fungus that was in your mouth. You can do this as often as you like, but do it each morning. It is far better than any mouthwash and will sanitize the mouth of the germs.

      Listerine and those kinds of mouthwashes dry the mouth out, are loaded with chemicals and just very bad for you. The coconut oil is far better and far more effective in killing germs.

      All of this advice will make your gums & teeth healthier. Now to address the real problem, low minerals. It is difficult to get minerals from food these days because the chemical fertilizers and poison sprays used on our food makes it very unhealthy and low minerals. You can supplement, but you need the good products and some understanding of how to have good digestion. A nutritional therapist can help you greatly do that.

      good luck to you

44. QUESTION:
    What is causing this red sore on one of my teeth gums?
    Recently the pass 3 days I had this strange mark at the back gums of one of my teeth (bottom teeth directly under my fangs). It’s a crescent shape that’s parallel to the curved shaped of my teeth and is red and looks like it’s bleeding but it’s not as there’s no blood. When I poke it, it hurts a bit.

    Additional Information: I went to my dentist about a month ago for a check up and she says I have mild gingivitis that can be reversed if I clean my teeth really well every day and night and used mouth wash and floss. I’ve been doing this everyday and significantly my gums have now stopped bleeding and my gums are becoming stronger and beginning to hug back my teeth again.

    I’ve been looking around the net before I came here to ask and some people who had similar cases have been told it’s an abscess, I don’t think mine is as there’s no lumps. My gums there aren’t even swollen, it just looks normal but with a weird mark and is quite sore.

    Any ideas?

    • ANSWER:
      its shape of a tyre? There is gum infection, need to get it cleaned professionally & later do the good work of brushing & flossing.

45. QUESTION:
    Swollen gums from plaque on wisdom tooth?
    I saw my dentist today and was told that the reason my gums are swollen on one side of my mouth is because of plaque buildup on my new wisdom tooth (its still not fully up yet, but already had a cavity… i have crappy teeth no matter what, its not that i dont brush and floss). He told me to schedule a cleaning to get it taken care of, but the next available appointment isnt until 6 weeks from now. I know that bad things can come from gingivitis (if thats what this is) that cant be reversed, and i dont want that to happen while i sit around waiting for my appointment. So what can i do at home to take care of this and keep it at bay for the next 6 weeks? Salt water? Mouthwash? Anything?

    • ANSWER:

46. QUESTION:
    whats wrong with my gums?
    well i went the the orthodontist a few days ago and they said i need to brush better because it looks like i have gingivitis. they said it is at a point where it can be reversed but idk what to do to help my gums get better.
    I brush for 5 min every day and i use listerine 2 or 3 times daily. is there anything else i can do? i cant floss because i have braces.

    Also, what are the signs that my gingivitis is getting WORSE?

    right now, my gums are red around the edges of my mouth and light pink around my teeth. when i brush, they dont bleed too easily but they still bleed.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi…

      Using listerine makes your mouth feeling clean. However, it has NO SUBSTANTIAL BENIFITS in reducing gingivitis at the rate you want.

      Interdental brushes are a great option for you.

      Use fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
      Follow spit-not-rinse that is: after brushing DO NOT rinse your mouth.
      Leave the paste as it is.

      Since I am a dental student I cannot advice you to take any medication: but you can ask your dentist about CHLORHEXIDINE mouthwash. You can use that in short term. However, prolong usage may cause staining.

      *** I highly recommend you consulting your dentist before using chlorhexidine.****

      Don’t worry: if you brush twice a day and use interdental brushes – you would be fine.

47. QUESTION:
    Reversing Ginvavitis?
    Will Gingivitis automatically b e reveresed into healthy gums after a dentist cleanup?

    • ANSWER:

48. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to reverse gingivitis?
    My new dentist told me that I am starting to get gingivitis on my lower gums. I didn’t really hear much of what he said because I was so upset about the whole gingivitis thing and I was starting to get a migraine from the awkward head and jaw positions I had been in for the tons of x-rays they took. I do remember that he went on and on about flossing, but I can’t recall if that (along with regular brushing) will help to reverse gingivitis. Help! I’m so freaked out right now. I’ve always had great teeth (I joke that it’s the only thing that seems to work *sigh*) and I want to get back to being healthy.
    Suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      First: Don’t freak out! 1 out of 2 people develops gingivits. It is very common, and luckily it is reversible with proper care. If left UNTREATED, gingivits progresses into Periodontitis, which is NOT reversible although it can be maintained or halted.

      Gingivits is “inflammation of the gums.” It is caused by one thing- bacteria. This bacteria accumulates on your teeth and in the area between your gums and tooth surface (called the sulcus). Your body recognizes the bacteria as being an invader, and begins to defend itself. Unfortunately, in the process of defending itself, your immune system harms the tissue in your gums, too. Basically, picture it this way- your immune system sets of bombs on the bacterial colonies. Although it gets rid of some of the bacteria, the area around the colonies is damaged in the blast. Get it? I hope so. That was a weird analogy. Anyways, this results in the inflammation of your gums- the gingivitis. The extent of your gingivitis will be directly related to the amount of plaque present; i.e. if there is only slight plaque, you will have slight gingivitis. If there is severe plaque, you will have severe gingivitis.

      That being said, the only way to prevent or eliminate gingivitis is to eliminate the plaque. This can be done in the following ways:
      1. Brush at least twice a day. It’s most important to remember to brush before you go to bed, too. This is because anything you don’t brush off before you go to bed will be able to sit on your teeth and have a field day for the next 8 hours. You want to brush with the bristles angled at 45 degrees to the gumline. This will remove plaque along the gumline as well as stimulate the gums (it’s called the “Bass Method” wow I am SUCH a dental geek!)
      2. FLOSS! They say it is harder to start flossing than it is to quit smoking. But it is so important, and most people don’t even realize it. Flossing removes the plaque BETWEEN your teeth that you cannot get using a toothbrush.
      3. Keep up with your visits to your hygienist or dentist. You can have the absolute BEST homecare in the world, but nothing compares to the services a hygienist can provide to you. Using her instruments, she can remove plaque and tartar bulidup BELOW the gumline- areas you just simply cannot reach using a toothbrush, floss, or mouthwash. Did you know that no matter how deep your sulcus, a mouthwash can only reach up to ONE millimeter below the gumline at most? The average sulcus is 2-3 millimeters deep! Think of how much bacteria could be in those other 2 millimeters!

      It seems pretty basic, but those are the steps you need to take to eliminate your gingivits. Good luck! And happy brushing

49. QUESTION:
    can you reverse gingivitis?
    in some places my gums show the lower part of my teeth and i was wondering what i could to about it. and if my gums would ever grow back. and if they don’t what do i do?

    • ANSWER:
      THE GUMS WILL GROW BACK AS LONG AS THE BONE BENEATH HAS NOT BEEN DAMAGED
      A SOFT BRISTLED TOOTHBRUSH MUST BE USED TO GENTLY BRUSH
      A FIRM/HARD ONE WILL CAUSE RECESSION BECAUSE THIS HURTS BONE