Preventing gingivitis is a lot easier than treating it. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused primarily by poor hygiene, which in turn causes plaque to accumulate. Untreated, there’s a risk that gingivitis can progress into periodontitis an inflammatory disease that can lead to bone loss between the roots of the teeth. This can lead to loosening of the teeth, which is reversible.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and evening. Brush for at least two minutes, both on the inside and outside side of your teeth. If you’re having trouble reaching all the way back to your wisdom teeth, try a thinner or more flexible toothbrush. If you eat something sweet or sticky, brush again, even if it’s the middle of the day. That will prevent food from getting stuck in between your teeth. Floss after brushing so you can get ready of anything the brushing didn’t remove. Finish by rinsing your mouth with mouthwash instead of water. Your dentist can prescribe a strong anti-bacterial mouthwash if the over-the-counter ones don’t seem to be clean working well.
Try Different Approaches
After brushing your teeth with your regular toothpaste, brush them again with a mix of baking and hydrogen peroxide. Mix enough of each to create a semi-solid paste and use as you would regular toothpaste. Baking soda is good for killing bacteria and polishing teeth. If your gums look red and inflamed, ask your doctor for a prescription anti-gingivitis toothpaste.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Get a cleaning twice a year. If you see plaque forming, schedule an additional appointment and get a deep cleaning. Your dentist will be able to remove any plaque and tartar before they start building up and cause problems. If you have cavities or other problems, treat them as soon as possible so bacteria doesn’t build up in your mouth.
Change Your Habits
Avoid cigarettes or stop smoking if you do. Smoking increases bacteria in your mouth, which creates a favorable environment for gingivitis to thrive in. You can also try massaging your gums daily to increase blood circulation, which keeps gums strong and healthy. Experts also recommend staying hydrated. If you don’t drink enough water, you won’t produce saliva. Saliva is essential to keep bacteria at bay, since bacteria doesn’t grow well in a wet environment. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to avoid a dry mouth.
Who Should Worry
While everybody is at risk of developing gingivitis, certain conditions might increase your chances. Being pregnant makes you more likely to develop gingivitis. So is having diabetes, as it causes dry mouth. Medications that cause dry mouth or cause dental sensitivity might make you brush less so you end up with inflamed gums as a result. If you’ve suddenly been diagnosed with a medical condition or started taking medication, talk to your doctor about whether this will impact your dental health and what you can do about it.
