Is gingivitis preventable?
Many people, especially adults, are affected by gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. Your gums might look red and inflamed, and you might have other symptoms including bad breath and bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. Your gums may end up receding, so your teeth can become loose. If the condition is left untreated, pockets can form between your teeth and gums, which can collect plaque and other build up.
As people age, they are more likely to be affected by gingivitis. They are busy and often forget to care for their teeth properly. Gingivitis is more common with people whose teeth are too close or too far apart because bacteria can build up in those spaces.
Luckily, you can prevent gingivitis before you start to lose your teeth. You need to have a good regimen for cleaning your teeth at home. You need to brush your teeth regularly. You need to do this at least twice a day, though it is best if you brush after every meal. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every three months to keep your mouth healthy and clean. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is very beneficial. It can kill any bacteria left after you brush your teeth.
Your diet is also important. You need to eat enough calcium to ensure that you have strong teeth and bones. You also need to cut back on your sugar intake so that you can keep cavities and decay at bay. Smoking and tobacco use also leads to gingivitis, so it is important to stop this habit.
Regular dental checkups are very important. During your visit, we will ensure that your mouth is healthy. We may even take x-rays to make sure you don’t have any other problems that need to be addressed. If you are starting to develop gingivitis, we will educate you about ways to get rid of it and keep it from coming back. You may need to change your routine at home to keep your mouth healthy.
During your visit, we will also clean all of the plaque, bacteria, and other buildup off of your teeth. We will also reach areas (like underneath your gums) that you are not able to reach with your toothbrush, which is really important to keep your mouth healthy.
Gingivitis affects many adults even though it is easy to prevent with good home care and routine dental visits.
If you have any questions about preventing gingivitis, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (425) 337-1000.
