Gingivitis, the swelling and irritation of the gums, is a common oral health issue for many people. It’s most often caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar along the gum line. There has also been some speculation as the hereditary of gingivitis-prone gums, but reports are inconclusive. Some signs and symptoms of gingivitis are gums that bleed when brushed or flossed, gums that are puffy or inflamed, gums that are tender to the touch or that are receding. We’ve come up with a short list of easy ways for you to prevent gingivitis from forming.
Brush your Teeth Twice a Day
One of the best ways to avoid gingivitis is with good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, spending just 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth, will prevent the build-up of plaque and all the problems it initiates. Plaque must be removed daily as it forms up quickly; it starts the moment you’re done brushing and completely fills your mouth with bacteria within 24 hours. If plaque is left on teeth for two to three days, it hardens into tartar which provides a safe environment for the growth of bacteria and irritates the gums. Voila, gingivitis. The tartar must be removed by a dentist to ensure the gums and teeth aren’t damaged and remove the possibility of gingivitis flare up.
Floss Once a Day
Flossing your teeth is all about cleaning the teeth along and below the gum line, which is especially important for preventing gingivitis and encouraging good oral health. Flossing daily will keep gums healthy and remove any plaque that can’t be reached by your toothbrush. Flossing every day will also keep junk out of the sulcus, the space between gum and tooth, and aid in the protection of the gum fibers. This helps prevent your gums from becoming tender, inflamed, or from bleeding.
Try an Antiseptic Mouthwash
Your dentist may recommend that you begin using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to improve your oral health and decrease your gingivitis. If you can’t stand the flavor of commercial brands, consider natural alternatives such as herbal teas or essential oils. Tea Tree oil or goldenseal tea are great at fighting bacteria, and the ADA has acknowledged that drinking licorice root tea thrice per day is as a wonderful way to combat gingivitis and gum dis-ease.
Use an Electric Toothbrush
Brushing with an electric toothbrush is much more effective than a manual toothbrush due to its bristle motions and more accurate cleaning ability. You’re more likely to brush for the full two minutes because of the ease of use, and will reach all the areas of your teeth better than with a traditional toothbrush.
Stop Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Tobacco users are much more likely than non-smokers to get gingivitis due to three factors. The first is that a constriction in facial blood happens during smoking and/or chewing, and lingers for a while even after use. This constriction causes inflammation in the mouth. Secondly, studies have proven that tobacco users have an increased number of the “bad” bacteria that causes gingivitis and other oral problems. Lastly, nicotine limits the effectiveness of cell protection in the gums. That is, a tobacco user has a compromised immune system that doesn’t clean up bacteria well enough to fight gingivitis and gum disease.
Avoid Certain Medications
Some medication can decelerate saliva production which dries out your mouth. (For a 23 page list, click here.) Dry mouth can play a role in the production of plaque by giving the bacteria a better environment in which to grow. Make sure to stay well hydrated if you’re taking a medication that dries out your mouth to keep the mouth fresh and prevent gum irritation.
Beware of Hormonal Changes
Hormones control and maintain every part of our bodies. Our teeth and gums are no exception. Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can cause gingivitis and sensitive tissues in the mouth.
Reduce Stress
Reducing your stress levels can help prevent gingivitis because it will help you to fight off an infection if necessary. It’s also important to not clench or grind your teeth, which can lead to irritated gums and gingival bleeding.
Healthy Eating & Staying Hydrated
A balanced diet high in antioxidants such as vitamin E (berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables) and vitamin C (citrus, berries, broccoli) that can help to repair damaged tissue and improve oral health. Likewise, drinking plenty of water keeps your gums moist and cool, and thus prevents swelling of the gums and the build-up of excessive bacteria.
Manage Your Mouth Well
Though your dentist will fully clean your teeth twice a year, it’s important to stay on top of removing your plaque so that it doesn’t get the chance to harden into tartar or to cause gingivitis. Your dentist may check for gingivitis by asking you about your symptoms, but some people with gingivitis have no symptoms and are not aware of the swelling in their gums. Your dentist might also measure the depth of your gingiva with a small ruler. A normal depth is 1 to 3 millimeters, more depth can mean gingivitis or damage within your periodontal pocket. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you’re having any discomfort or symptoms that could be related to gingivitis. What have you got to lose by knowing exactly what’s happening inside your mouth?
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