Gingivitis is a frequent problem that occurs due to inconsistent oral care and bad habits. Long-term buildup of plaque can result in gingivitis. Fortunately, it can be cured easily. You can prevent gingivitis with proper dental care and even reverse the condition. Most people do not realize that almost all dental issues, like gingivitis, can be resolved with oral care.
Gingivitis can swell up your gums and cause them to hurt. Bad breath and swollen red gums are signs of trouble. These are the symptoms that you will never want to experience. This is why it becomes important for you to know what steps to take when it happens. Visit a Mayfair, Northeast Philadelphia dentist today.
Four things to do to prevent gingivitis
- Brush and floss daily.
To ensure that gingivitis never occurs, include brushing and flossing in your daily routine. Dentists suggest brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. Flossing removes food particles stuck between your teeth, which a toothbrush can not easily remove. Therefore, flossing daily helps in preventing cavities between teeth. Brush gently in circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
- Try oil pulling or oil massage.
Oil pulling is an ancient Indian technique that naturally reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth. Take a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil in your mouth and swirl it around for five to ten minutes. You can also try oil massaging your gums. People who follow these practices notice a significant improvement in their dental health.
Oil pulling also prevents plaque-causing bacteria from forming and improves your gums and teeth. Including these practices in your daily routine can reduce the risk of gum disease and prevent gingivitis.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash.
Include using mouthwash in your daily oral health routine to prevent gingivitis-causing bacteria from forming and reverse gum disease. Look for a fluoride-based mouthwash and rinse it as per the instructions on the package. It is recommended to rinse the mouthwash for 30 seconds twice a day, followed by brushing and flossing, to keep breath fresh, kill bacteria, and get rid of gingivitis.
- Stop smoking.
Smoking is terrible not only for your dental health but also for your overall health, as it weakens your immune system and ruins your gum health. Tobacco is considered a risk factor for gingivitis and other gum diseases. You should quit smoking if you want to keep your mouth healthy and prevent gingivitis. Smokers have a double risk of developing gum disease as compared to nonsmokers.
