5 Steps to Prevent Gingivitis and Improve Your Oral Hygiene

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease characterized by the gingiva’s swelling or inflammation. Taking steps to prevent gingivitis is essential, as it can lead to more serious forms of gum disease. Common symptoms of gingivitis include swollen or irritated gums, dark red gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and bad breath. If left untreated, gums can recede and cause permanent damage to your teeth. Let’s go over the five steps to maintaining your oral hygiene and preventing gingivitis.

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time
   Regularly brushing teeth two times a day for two minutes is one of the best ways to prevent gingivitis. By brushing regularly, you are removing plaque from your teeth which can lead to gum disease if not removed properly. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth—front, back, and top—and use gentle circular motions instead of vigorous scrubbing for optimal results.
2. Ensure that you are flossing regularly
   A telltale sign of gingivitis is bleeding while flossing. As such, it is vital to ensure that you are flossing your teeth at least once daily. This is because flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth, where brushing alone won’t reach. Ensure you are flossing once per day or as recommended by your dentist to get rid of any lingering bacteria that could lead to gum disease if left unchecked.
3. Get proper and regular dental cleanings
   Regular visits with the dentist are essential for preventing gum disease since they provide deep cleanings that can’t be done at home with brushing and flossing alone. In addition, during these visits, the dentist will remove any buildup on the surface of your teeth that could cause damage if left untreated over time.
4. Quit tobacco if you use it
   Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of developing periodontal diseases like gingivitis due to cigarette toxins, cigars, e-cigarettes, etc. In addition, a tobacco habit can irritate the tissues in the mouth and increase inflammation over time, leading to gum disease if not addressed quickly enough. Quitting tobacco is one easy step towards improving your oral health long term.
5. Change Up Your Diet
   A healthy diet is crucial in preventing gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. Eating food high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help keep your teeth clean and improve the balance of bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, avoiding sugary and acidic foods that could break down your teeth’ enamel is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene.

Follow These Tips for Optimal Oral Hygiene

Gum disease is serious business, but thankfully, there are several steps that you can take every day to reduce your risk of developing issues like gingivitis in the future. Brushing twice a day, ensuring you’re flossing regularly, getting regular dental cleanings, and quitting tobacco if you use it will help to prevent this ailment. Following these four tips will go a long way towards helping improve your oral hygiene habits now so you won’t have issues down the road later on.