How to Eliminate Gum Disease Forever

Have you ever left the dentist's office full of ambition to finally start taking better care of your teeth and gums? You brush and floss for a few days, seemingly dedicated to a new way of life, and then, without provocation, you silently slip back into your old habits until which time you visit the dentist again and the cycle starts over?
Gingivitis, the first sign of gum disease, causes your gums to be red and swollen. Gum disease is the main reason that people lose their teeth, and the good news is, you are the one who can prevent it. Here's what to do.

Things You'll Need

• Dental floss
• Two toothbrushes or an electric toothbrush
• Vitamin C
• Listerine
• Tongue scraper

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth for a full 2 minutes each time you brush. If you want to prevent gum disease, then you must devote 2 minutes, two to three times per day, to the practice of good oral hygiene.

2. Brush at the gum line. The gum line is the place where gingivitis begins and is the most neglected area in the mouth. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so that part of the toothbrush is penetrating the gums and the other part cleans the teeth.

3. Have two toothbrushes and alternate between them. After each use, let one toothbrush air-dry while using the other.

4. Get yourself an electric toothbrush. Studies show that an electric, rotary toothbrush removes up to 98.2 percent of plaque, compared to 48.6 percent removed by a regular toothbrush.

5. Give your gums a good massage. Using your thumb and index finger, rub your gums twice a day to increase blood flow to the area.

6. Take some vitamin C. Although vitamin C won't cure gingivitis or prevent gum disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Western Nutrition Research Center in San Francisco, California, it can help prevent bleeding gums.

7. Gargle with Listerine. Studies suggest that using Listerine mouthwash helps inhibit plaque buildup around the gums, reducing the risk of gingivitis.

8. Scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush. Scraping your tongue helps remove built-up bacteria that can be toxic to your mouth. Scrape your tongue 10 to 15 times with anything that isn't sharp to promote optimal dental health.

9. Take a good look at your lifestyle. How is your diet? Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? Do you smoke? Drink too much? Are you under a lot of stress? These types of vices can drain your body of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy mouth. Eliminate your vices and your mouth will thank you for it.

10. Last, but not least, floss your teeth at least once per day. Flossing can help eliminate bad breath, reduce redness and swelling at the gum line and, overall, prevent gum disease while promoting good dental hygiene.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't ignore sore, bleeding gums or loose teeth. These conditions call for an immediate dental appointment. See your dentist if your dentures fit differently. Get a dental checkup at least twice per year.

Resources

• All About Dentistry