5 Ways to Combat Gingivitis - Our Guide

September 5, 2019

Gingivitis is an oral health condition involving inflammation, swelling, and reddening of the gums. Pre-existing plaque or tartar in the teeth can breed bacteria, which can cause bleeding and inflammation. If left untreated, the underlying bones and adjacent gum tissues will also be affected, which could lead to tooth loss, painful gums, and bad breath. No one wants that, right? Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent and treat gingivitis.

1. Have your dentist clean your teeth routinely

Prophylaxis or “dental cleaning” is what your dentist does to get rid of plaque and tartar in the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. If you have pre-existing tooth decay, your dentist will clean and fill the affected area to prevent bacteria from growing inside the damaged enamel of your teeth.

Your dentist will use a hand-held instrument to polish the surface of your teeth and remove stubborn tartar. They will also use a tool to literally scrape away the tartar forming at the junction of your roots and teeth. Prophylaxis will ensure there’s less plaque in your teeth, which will lessen the chances that bacteria will form and start to infect your gums.

Dental cleaning can be done every six months, but if you already have gum disease, you may need to go to your dentist every four or three months. After you see a dentist, make sure you have good oral hygiene to prevent a swift buildup of plaque, tartar, and consequently, bacteria.

2. Brush and floss your teeth regularly

Aside from going to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned, you also need to brush and floss your teeth at home daily. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) suggests that you brush your teeth two to three minutes every day—after breakfast and dinner. Change your brushing pattern from time to time, as brushing the same way every day may mean you are neglecting to clean other areas of your teeth. Floss after brushing to remove any bits of food that may have gotten stuck between your teeth.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid abrasion in the gums. Replace it every three months and use toothbrush brands that the CDA has pronounced beneficial. If you observe that your gums appear to look thinner than usual or your toothbrush's bristles appear worn often, you are brushing with too much pressure.

3. Use antibacterial mouthwash

While brushing and flossing are intended to remove larger food particles that may cause tooth decay, these methods alone aren’t enough to deal with gum disease. There are also smaller bacteria in your mouth that can cause gingivitis. You should also rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash after you brush your teeth. Gargling with mouthwash in your mouth for 30 seconds will help you fend off gingivitis-causing bacteria, especially if you do it twice a day. Not only will it help keep your mouth clean, but it will also give you fresh breath.

4. Cut down on carbs and sugars

You might not believe it, but tooth decay became an epidemic only after humankind learned how to eat sugary and starchy foods. Sugars from candy, dried fruits, carbonated drinks, and white bread can stick to your teeth, which will attract plaque and gingivitis-causing bacteria. Starches from chips and other junk food can also leave bits of food in your teeth.

So drink fresh water instead of soda or synthetic fruit juices. Carrots, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are healthier alternatives to candy, chips, and white bread. If you can’t resist the urge to chew on something, especially when you’re hungry or waiting for an appointment, you can try sugarless chewing gum.

5. No smoking

Keep your teeth and lungs clean by saying no to smoking. Tar in tobacco products can harm your gums, causing gingivitis. If you are currently a smoker, you should seriously consider stopping your habit. Undergo tobacco rehabilitation if you think that you can’t quit on your own.

At DAAS Dentistry, we provide dental services for everyone. We have caring and experienced professional staff who are highly trained to ensure that you have a pleasant visit. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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Dr. Ehab Daas

Meet your doctor

Dr. Ehab is a passionate dentist with 15 years of dental experience. He received his D.D.S in 1997, and has practiced dentistry for 6 years since then. Immediately after that, Dr. Da'as moved to Paris to get his Orthodontics and Prosthodontic diploma's in which he specialized in fixed bridges and crowns. He graduated from France with remarkable achievements in 2005, and went on to work for 9 years, focusing on difficult orthodontics cases and satisfying his ortho patients. Dr. Ehab moved to Canada in 2014 to continue his career, where he is proud and extremely honoured to provide his patients with the highest quality service.

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