How can gingivitis be prevented?
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American Dental Association answered:Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease (an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth). It causes the gums to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis can be reversed with treatment in the dental office and good oral care at home.
You can reduce your risk for gingivitis with a good oral hygiene routine:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and bits of food from areas your toothbrush can't reach.
- Your dentist may recommend using an ADA-accepted germ-fighting mouthrinse or other oral hygiene aids.
- Eat a balanced diet for good general health and limit snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar, which traps bacteria along the gum line.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease (an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth). It causes the gums to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage.... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Gingivitis is best prevented by the regular practice of good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least two times per day, in the morning and evening, for at least two minutes and you should floss every day. You should also see your dentist for a thorough cleaning and checkup every six months or at a frequency recommended by your dentist.Gingivitis is best prevented by the regular practice of good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least two times per day, in the morning and evening, for at least two minutes and you should floss every day. You should also see your dentist... More -
Dr. Saul Miller answered:To understand the cure it is necessary to understand the cause. The causes are most commonly poor home care and plaque accumulation. Plaque is composed mainly of bacteria that have interacted with sugars normally found in the mouth. Plaque, if not removed can harden and form tartar (calculus) on the teeth which then makes it even more difficult to remove the bacterial plaque. Quite the dental vicious cycle.
To prevent and/or cure gingivitis the patient needs to do what he or she should be doing anyway….brush, floss and clean between the teeth. This needs to be performed at least twice daily since plaque will reform within 24 hours and develop into tartar in a bit longer. Tartar when it forms must be removed by a dental professional. Do not try this at home, because the gums, teeth and even oral mucosa may be traumatized. You may then need to see a dental pro anyway.
Gingivitis may also be part of more serious underlying periodontitis in which there is loss of support and attachment for the teeth. For this reason, along with the fact that inflammation in the gums may be symptomatic of other problems, dental problems should be evaluated by your dentist and oral health should be evaluated on at least an annual basis.
To understand the cure it is necessary to understand the cause. The causes are most commonly poor home care and plaque accumulation. Plaque is composed mainly of bacteria that have interacted with sugars normally found in the mouth. Plaque, if... More
