Can Flossing Cure Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is very common among US adults. It’s so common that the number of people who have some form of the condition is higher than the people who don’t, and many people don’t realize that they have it. It’s basically a mild form of gum disease in which the gums become infected, causing irritation, redness and swelling of the gums. If you have gingivitis, here’s what you can do to help heal your gums.
The most common cause of this common condition is poor oral care habits. Gingivitis develops when plaque, the invisible, sticky film of bacteria, starts irritating the gums. Although our bodies are full of bacteria that are actually helpful in protecting us most of the time, they are kept in check by a healthy immune system. Once the immune system is overwhelmed, the bacteria invades soft tissues and the bone adjacent to teeth.
To help keep the bacteria in check, it’s important to keep up your oral care habits, which includes brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Brushing will not remove the bacteria from between your teeth, which is where it can collect and start to irritate the gums. If you find that your gums bleed when you first get back into the habit, keep at it and the bleeding should subside within a week or two. This is an important first step in combating the issue.
A strong case can be made that stress can also contribute to this condition. In fact, a recent study found a high incidence of periodontal (gum) disease among people dealing with financial stress in particular. The study found that the oral health of people struggling with financial issues was in worse shape than participants who were dealing with other stressors, such as marriage and children. While great oral care habits are indispensable, it’s also important to come up with coping strategies to help deal with stress in a healthy manner. While financial strain may be a fact of life for many of us, being proactive and positive in our approach can help ease the stress placed on our bodies.
Gingivitis is a very common issue, but that does not mean it’s not a serious one. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss. Talk to your dentist for more information on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.