How to Prevent Gingivitis (Gum Disease)

Gingivitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the gums (gum disease) due to improper and unhygienic oral care. After many years of buildup of plaques and tartar along the gum line, the condition gradually worsens and the gingivitis leads to periodontitis. In the early stages of gingivitis the gum is inflamed, red and bleeds easily when pressure is applied to it or every time you brush your teeth. The color of the gums changes from a healthy pink color to a purplish red to indicate that the condition is worsening. Periodontitis sets in when pus accumulates in the deep pockets or recesses of the gum and the teeth feel sore or painful when pressure is applied. Over time, the teeth will become loose and fall out of the sockets. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The most important thing to do is keep a regular, healthy oral hygiene schedule and routine. The key is to start educating and instilling this at the earliest possible age because it will then become a conditioned behavior as the child grows up, along with understanding the importance and benefits of proper oral hygiene. Children imitate adults, so take the child into the bathroom each morning and evening and brush your teeth together. Make it fun and enjoyable and not a chore or a boring activity.

2. Choosing the correct and proper type of tooth brush is also important. There are so many types of toothbrushes varying in shape, color, prices and functions. The American Dental Association (ADA) has reported that there is really no significant difference in preventing gingivitis using an electric toothbrush versus a manual brush. The important factor here is brushing the teeth properly. It is recommended to brush the teeth along the gum line as that is the key area where gingivitis starts and the most neglected area.

3. FLOSS, FLOSS, FLOSS. That is so important to help prevent gum disease. Food trapped between the crevices or gaps in the teeth will biodeteriorate and be a source for bacteria to grow and decay the enamel of the teeth causing gingivitis. Many adults and children do not floss regularly, but it is so important in maintaining good oral hygiene.

4. CLEAN YOUR TOOTHBRUSH. Bacteria breeds rapidly on moist surfaces, especially on wet, damp toothbrushes. So it is important to clean and dry your toothbrush after you have finished your cleaning. It is also advisable to change toothbrushes once a month and discard the old one.

5. Use a mouthwash. There are plenty of choices in the local drugstores that come in a variety of flavors, colors and sizes. Mouthwash kills the bacteria breeding in your mouth and helps to reduce gingivitis and prevent plaque buildup.

6. Purchase an oral irrigation unit to help wash out the tiny debris or particles of food between teeth and around the gums. There are small portable units that you can buy to carry in your bag.

7. Give yourself a gum massage to increase the blood circulating to the gums. Do this by using your thumb and index finger, the latter on the outside of the gum area, and start massaging the gum tissue.

8. Remove bacteria from your mouth by scraping the tongue. Use a tongue depressor or wooden stick and slide it along the surface of the tongue working from the back of the tongue towards the front of the mouth. Do this for about 10 to 20 minutes and then gargle with a mouthwash.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the dentist on a regular basis.
• Don't eat candy or sweet foods with high sugar content.
• Brush your teeth after every meal, if you can, to prevent food decaying your teeth and gums
• Stop smoking.
• Try not to drink liquids and eat foods that can stain your teeth. Reduce your tea and coffee intake.
• This article is written to inform and is not a substitute for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor or professional health care provider.

Resources

• Jewell Productions TV
• American Dental Association
• National Institute of Health