How to Prevent Gingivitis
Although generally ignored, a bright white smile needs the presence of bright pink gums. The combination helps to make the picture perfect smile. Poorly maintained gums can also destroy your teeth in the long run. And gingivitis – inflammation of your gums – is caused by the presence of plaques in your gums. Left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, which eventually results in tooth loss.
Identifying the Presence of Gingivitis
Many patients we treat unknowingly have developed gingivitis. This results in many of our new patients discovering they have gingivitis only after it becomes really dangerous. But you can identify it before it gets to that stage. Watch out for the following symptoms and signs that indicate the presence of gum disease:
- Gums appear to wear off or recede, making your teeth appear elongated
- Bad breath and/or bad mouth taste which won’t go away
- Tender gums that are red and swollen
- Pockets appearing between teeth and gum, leading to a faster collection of food debris and plaque
- Brushing or flossing resulting in bleeding
Simple, everyday practices can keep your teeth and gum healthy, helping prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. In all, maintaining a good oral hygiene is key to avoiding and dental problems, such as gingivitis. Some of these include:
- Brush no less than twice a day; if possible, brush after every meal.
- Floss daily to remove plaques and bacteria.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months.
- Eat a well-balanced diet that aids the development of strong teeth and bones.
- Stay away from smoking and tobacco.
- Reduce your sugar intake.