Did you know you have the tools to help prevent gingivitis right in your own home? No one wants to deal with gingivitis, which can lead to serious oral health issues. However, taking steps to prevent it will give you a healthier smile. Between your efforts at home and your routine dental visits, you can successfully keep the varied effects of gingivitis at bay.
Understanding Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease, and it’s hard to detect, meaning you might not even realize you have it. In fact, Half of adults over 30 actually have some type of gum disease, so it’s more common than you might think.
Your mouth contains bacteria naturally. However, when certain bacteria are left on your teeth, they form plaque. If you don’t remove the bacteria regularly, it may lead to an infection along the gumline. If tartar forms, too, this can make gingivitis even worse. So, keeping your teeth and mouth clean is the key to preventing gingivitis.
Brush and Floss Daily
The simplest form of gingivitis prevention is to brush and floss every day. You should use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and be committed to flossing at least once daily. Using a fluoride mouthwash is also recommended to flush those hard-to-reach places.
You can use either manual or electric toothbrushes. In addition, you can use any type of floss you prefer, including string, sticks, or even water-based flossers. Just make sure you brush and floss every single day to reduce plaque build-up.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Even with the best oral health routine at home, sometimes plaque and tartar build-up in hard-to-reach places. Plus, some medical conditions and medications may make you more prone to excess plaque and gingivitis. If this is the case, your dentist may ask you to come in for cleanings more frequently.
The great news is your dentist helps you to prevent gingivitis by removing what you can’t. Regular cleanings prevent prolonged more serious oral health issues. And if your dentist notices signs of gingivitis, they can treat you.
Your dentist can remove tartar from under the gumline to make it harder for bacteria to linger.
Avoid Smoking, Sugar, and Alcohol
Smoking can drastically increase bacteria in your mouth, which increases your chances of developing gingivitis. Excess sugar and alcohol also make it easier for bacteria to form and linger in your mouth. Limiting all three of these helps you prevent gingivitis.
If you notice any signs of bleeding or infected gums or it’s almost time for your next dental checkup, contact Dr. David Kuban today to make an appointment. And we can help you develop the best at-home oral health routine to prevent gingivitis and maintain your brightest smile.
The content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.
