Can you reverse and prevent early gum disease?
Brushing and flossing well can keep gingivitis from developing or advancing to a damaging stage.
- Reviewed by Tien Jiang, DMD, MEd, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
The term "gum disease" sounds serious, and it is. Advanced stages cause bone and tooth loss, which affect your ability to eat, speak clearly, and socialize. And even early stages of gum disease are risky, increasing the chance of developing heart problems, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic conditions. Fortunately, simple steps can reverse and prevent the early stage of gum disease, which is called gingivitis.
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About the Reviewer
Tien Jiang, DMD, MEd, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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