Gingivitis Self-Care
Gingivitis Self-Care
Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is caused by the accumulation of bacteria called plaque on the teeth and below the gumline. While gingivitis has many negative health consequences, the most common symptoms are swelling, redness, and sensitivity of the gum tissue.
If you are currently experiencing gum inflammation, there is a high likelihood that you have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Without proper gingivitis self-care and professional periodontal treatment, the condition will worsen and can lead to tooth and bone loss.
All hope is not lost, however. There are several ways that you can improve your oral health and reverse gingivitis. In this article, we will focus on the steps that you can take to tackle gingivitis once and for all.
Gingivitis Self-Care
You can take the following steps at home to improve your gingivitis. With dedication, these daily habits will improve your oral health and also save you from having to undergo expensive dental procedures in the future.
Gingivitis self-care tips:
• Improve your diet
• Quit smoking/vaping
• Brush your teeth thoroughly
• Floss every day
• Schedule an appointment with your periodontist
Improve your diet
Although diet is not an often talked about subject in dentistry, nutrition is essential when it comes to supporting a healthy immune system. If your immune system is compromised, you will have difficulty fighting off infections and other health problems.
Oral health often reflects overall health, and we want our patients to be as healthy and happy as possible. We recommend eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains daily. Adding these nutrient-dense foods to your diet will make you better prepared to tackle any dental issues you may face.
Improving your diet also involves avoiding certain foods. By limiting sugars and acidic foods, you will help to protect your teeth and gums. In particular, foods high in processed sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup, can contribute to plaque buildup and stall your progress against gingivitis.
Quit Smoking / Vaping
Using tobacco products weakens your immune system and irritates your gums. Quitting smoking, vaping, and dipping allows your gums to improve and gives your immune system a fighting chance to protect you in the future.
We do understand, however, that quitting tobacco is a challenging process. If you cannot stop now, consider switching to some of the less harmful smoke-free alternatives.
Brush your teeth thoroughly
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps remove the plaque that causes gingivitis. Start with a soft-bristled brush and gently move it back and forth across the surface of your teeth. Make sure to use a slightly upward 45-degree angle and avoid pressing too hard, as this can damage the gum tissue.
If you already have dental problems, it can make sense to brush after certain meals. Food can get stuck between teeth and can lead to infection down the road if not removed quickly. Don’t forget to brush or scrape your tongue as well. Your tongue collects most of the bacteria in your mouth and can exacerbate your dental problems if not cleaned regularly.
Floss every day
Flossing is a secret weapon when it comes to tackling your gum problems. It removes food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and below the gum line. By cleaning these areas, flossing keeps your mouth clean and limits the possibility of further damage.
Schedule an appointment with your periodontist
Periodontists are gum experts. While gingivitis self-care is essential, there are simply some places you can’t clean on your own. We have special expertise and equipment that allows us to clean thoroughly below the gumline, ensuring your gingivitis does not progress to a more severe stage of gum disease.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can build your most healthy and beautiful smile yet.