Gums that bleed, swell, and feel tender when touched? It may be gingivitis. Failing to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day usually sets off gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums. When left untreated, this condition can worsen and turn into something more serious: periodontal disease, which infects and attacks the bones and tissues that support the teeth.
Don’t worry, there’s still a way to reverse gingivitis. Read these tips to turn around that nasty inflammation:
Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Plaque can contain mucus, bacteria and food debris, substances that also cause tooth decay. Consistent and thorough brushing not only cleans your teeth and helps remove the plaque that accumulates on your teeth, but also keeps your breath fresh. You can also use an electric toothbrush like the Oral-B Smartseries 5000, which pulsates and rotates its bristles for better cleaning action. Don’t forget to floss and rinse off with a mouthwash to strip off bits and pieces of food left in between teeth.
Schedule routine dental check-ups.
Visit your dentist every 6 months to get your teeth professionally cleaned and checked. He/She can loosen and remove deposits of plaque that have piled up in between and on the back surfaces of the teeth, and assess the condition of your teeth and gums. Moreover, your dentist can also detect any dental issues you may have through in-depth examinations.