Best Preventative Measures for Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common symptom of poor oral hygiene. It shows up as irritation, swelling and redness of the part of the gum around the base of the teeth, called the “gingiva”.
While this form of periodontal disease is relatively mild, gingivitis is the precursor to many more serious diseases that can cause adverse effects on not just gum health, but overall health. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This more severe version of the disease can lead to developing pockets of infection at the base of the teeth that will begin to eat away at the structure of the jaw until said teeth become loose and fall out. In more serious cases, periodontitis can continue to eat away at the jaw to a point that eating can be extremely painful. The damage to periodontal supporting tissue on such a scale is irreversible.
Thankfully, dentistry and tooth healthcare knowledge has vastly improved over time. With the new understanding of how teeth work and new products constantly developed to stop and even reverse tooth decay, our mouths have never been more looked after. When it comes to gingivitis, there are plenty of methods for taking care of your mouth.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
There’s a reason that dentists tell their patients to brush their teeth for two minutes at a time twice a day and to floss once a day at least. Some dentists even recommend brushing your teeth after every meal and snack so as to prevent loosened food particles from manifesting into bacteria which can then interact with any openings in the gums. A regular cleaning schedule at home is the first line of defense against tooth decay.
Healthy Eating Habits
Eating well not only helps with your overall body’s health, it also helps your teeth. An excess of sugary foods in your diet can severely negatively impact your teeth, which contributes to both gum disease and general tooth decay. Fizzy pops, overindulgence in coffee and wine, and refined starchy foods are all factors that can contribute to gingivitis. If indulging in these foods, dentists recommend that you brush your teeth immediately afterward, and floss for good measure. They also recommend that you balance out the impact of these negative food choices with good ones that can have a positive impact on gum and tooth health, such as crunchy vegetables, milk and nuts.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Regular teeth cleanings every 6 to 12 months can help make sure that your mouth stays healthy and free of tooth decay. If your diet consists of sugary foods and you regularly take up habits that can contribute to gum issues (ie: smoking) it is recommended that regular tooth check ups be held even sooner, at every 3-4 months. Those without issue can go every year or so, so long as they maintain regular maintenance of their teeth at home. Annual x-rays of teeth can help keep you and your dentist well-informed of your gum’s health, and further, identify any gum disease that may crop up.
Find the Right Dentist for you
Similar to finding a pediatrician or home doctor, the right dentist is someone that works for you. They have your best health in mind when making decisions and want to find solutions that fit into your comfortability and scope.
Going to the dentist can be a source of fear and apprehension for many, so finding one that caters to your emotional needs as well is important. Sometimes the solution is as simple as googling (ie: “the best Ottawa dentist”), but sometimes it may take more research. It is worth finding a dentist that can help address and alleviate any concerns, both in terms of physical as well as psychological.
