The Best Ways To Prevent Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an infection of the gums and is considered the first stage of gum disease. While a lot of people have this disease, it is something that you should aim to prevent, as it can damage your gums and teeth and can lead to many other issues as well. If you take care of your teeth and gums properly and change any bad lifestyle habits you have, you can prevent gingivitis. Here are several ways you can do this.

Understand what it is

The first step of prevention is gaining an understanding of what gingivitis is, and the main thing you should know about this is that it is caused by plaque on your teeth. Plaque from your teeth will often turn into decay if left alone too long, and it will also get into the pockets of your gum lines. When this happens, infection occurs and a lot of bacteria is present in these areas. This will lead to soreness, swelling, and redness of the gums and will eventually lead to gum recession as well.

Keep the plaque away

Because gingivitis develops from plaque, the best remedy you have for preventing it is keeping the plaque away. Plaque is not something you can just eliminate by what you eat or do, but it is something you can get rid of through good oral habits. Brushing your teeth, for example, helps to eliminate plaque. Flossing and using mouthwash can also eliminate plaque, and you can also get rid of it by going to the dentist for cleanings on a regular basis.

Change your lifestyle

You can always clean the plaque away once it is there, but there are things you can do in your life that will help decrease the amount of plaque you have in your mouth. One thing is to stop smoking. Smoking is a habit that is highly associated with gum disease, and there are a lot of reasons for this. One reason, though, is that it can increase the bacteria in your mouth and decrease the oxygen flow to it, making it harder to fight the plaque in your mouth.

The foods you eat also contribute to plaque, and you can reduce the amount of plaque by eating healthier foods and beverages. Practicing good oral care habits each day is also vital for preventing gum disease from forming in your mouth.

If you have questions about gingivitis or good oral care habits, schedule a visit with a local dentist.


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