The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to treat and reverse gum infections at their earliest stage. Gingivitis—the inflammation of gum tissue—can typically be treated with good home care and routine preventative dental cleanings. But if it’s allowed to go unaddressed, it can and almost always will evolve into more aggressive periodontal infections.
To prevent tooth and bone loss before they occur, gingivitis treatment requires these easy steps:
Use a soft toothbrush to gently stimulate the gum tissues and remove thick layers of plaque at the gumline. Brush two minutes, twice per day, making short strokes that focus on one to two teeth at a time. Investing in an electric toothbrush can help with plaque removal and gum stimulation for healthier oral tissues and teeth.
Slide the floss gently under the edges of the gums against the tooth to clean the “sulcus” area where plaque tends to be heaviest. Repeat this around every tooth. If flossing is a challenge, consider using a water flosser instead.
Prevention-based dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that accumulates between checkups. They also allow your dental team to screen for early signs of periodontal pocketing before significant tissue detachment occurs.
Gingivitis involves minor irritation, redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. But if the gums begin to recede or “pockets” develop, gingivitis has already transitioned into periodontal disease. Act quickly before the infection has an opportunity to spread elsewhere in your mouth.
If it’s been six months or longer since your last dental exam and cleaning, now is the best time to change that, especially if you have gingivitis!