- May 15, 2023
- Dental News
- By: GoodSamDental
- No Comments
Essential Tips to Prevent Gingivitis
Many people experience bleeding gums while brushing their teeth. It is one of the most common symptoms of gum disease. In this post, we discuss what measures you can take to prevent gum disease.
Gingivitis can be dangerous
Healthy gums have a pink color. Gingivitis can be quickly noticed because the gums start to take on a red color. However, you do not immediately have to be alarmed by a temporary discoloration of the gums. It might have been caused by food dyes and if it is gum disease, it may heal on its own. The inflammation only becomes dangerous when it persists for a longer period.
Watch for bleeding gums
Gingivitis develops in different ways. It is caused by poor nutrition (mineral deficiencies), stress& anxiety, smoking, and poor oral hygiene practices. At the same time, these factors encourage the development of inflammation. If gum disease persists, bleeding from the gums can continue to occur, which may be visible especially when brushing your teeth. Gingivitis is often accompanied by receding gums. You can recognize this because you see more tooth roots exposed in certain places than you did before the inflammation started.
Tips to prevent gum disease
- Getsufficient vitamin C. The teeth and gums are full of blood vessels that can become weakened by a lack of vitamin C. If the blood vessels break, bleeding and infection can occur. Vitamin C increases the collagen content, which can prevent swelling. This important vitamin is found in foods such as fruits and vegetables, but you can also take it as a supplement.
- Use an interdental brush to remove food particles stuck between the teeth. These residues can irritate the gums and cause bad bacteria to thrive.
- In addition to brushing your teeth, also brush your gums and gently scrape your tongue. After a whole day of processing food, your gums need cleaning. Food remains can settle between teeth and gums. Use a soft-bristled brush on your gums at a 45-degree angle, taking care not to put excessive pressure on the toothbrush.
- Stop smoking. Smoking exposes your oral tissues to nicotine, stains teeth, and causes bad breath. Because smoking is such an addictive habit practiced over years or decades, its accumulative effects can cause serious damage to oral health.
If you have any questions about gum disease or would like to get treatment at an affordable rate, please get in touch with us today.