Fighting Gingivitis: The Basics

Are your gums swollen or sore? Do they bleed when you brush your teeth? If so, you might have gingivitis. Gingivitis is a form of gum disease. And, while it isn't the most serious type, if ignored, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a condition that causes tooth loss.

Some simple, daily oral hygiene can help you to prevent and treat gingivitis.

Brushing regularly is the best way to fight gingivitis.

Brushing regularly and properly can help keep plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which will help prevent and fight gingivitis.

You should brush at least twice a day for three to five minutes each time. It might seem like a lot of time, but it's the best way to remove plaque and fight gingivitis. And make sure you brush your gums as well as your teeth.

An electric toothbrush will be more effective than a regular, manual one. Affordable, high quality electric toothbrushes aren't hard to find. Consider asking your dentist for recommendations.

Tartar control toothpaste will help prevent gingivitis.

When it hardens, tartar turns into plaque, which can cause gingivitis. So, choose tartar control toothpaste.

Brush your tongue.

Brushing your tongue will remove a lot of the bacteria that can cause gingivitis.

Floss daily.

You should floss between your teeth at least once a day to remove the gingivitis-causing plaque and bacteria your toothbrush can't reach. The kind of floss you use doesn't really matter as long as you floss with something.

Anti-plaque mouthwash can also help fight gingivitis.

An anti-plaque mouthwash can help fight gingivitis by reducing plaque. These mouthwashes will also kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Use this mouthwash at least once a day, preferably after brushing and flossing. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth, and between your teeth.

When to see your dentist.

You can usually treat gingivitis yourself if you catch it early enough. However, if your gingivitis starts to get more serious, you should pay a visit to your dentist. Here's what you should look out for.

* You've been practicing better oral hygiene, but your gums are still swollen or sore, and still bleed when you brush.

* You have bad breath that hasn't gone away in twenty four hours.

* Your teeth look longer. This could be a sign that your gums are receding.

* Your teeth feel loose.

* One of your teeth has fallen out, or broken off near the gum line.

* Your teeth feel strange, like they are coming together differently.

* Pockets of pus have formed between your teeth and gums.

Too often, gingivitis is written off as a nuisance rather than a serious health concern. But gingivitis shouldn't be ignored. With some basic, oral hygiene, you can prevent this condition. Or, if you already have gingivitis, you can get rid of it before it gets worse.