Getting gingivitis isn’t the end of the world. However, you want to treat your gingivitis before it has the chance to progress into a nastier form of periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible when you proactively treat it, and one trip to the dentist simply won’t cut it.
At Texas Periodontal Associates, we specialize in treating and preventing periodontal disease, including gingivitis. Here are our favorite tips for taking care of your gingivitis at home.
Switch to an Anti-Bacterial Toothpaste
Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup irritating your gums. The easiest way to treat gingivitis is to use an anti-bacterial toothpaste that will help clear away the nasty gunk that will lead to plaque.
Anti-bacterial toothpaste works by neutralizing the bacteria in your mouth to give you healthier gums. If you want, you can opt for a toothpaste that’s specifically formulated to combat gingivitis, but any anti-bacterial paste will do the trick.
Brush More Efficiently
Having the right toothpaste in your cupboard is only half the battle. Now, you need to use it correctly. Especially if you’re trying to take care of gingivitis, you need to brush for two minutes in the morning and at night (for a total of four minutes a day). You may even want to add a couple of mini-brushing sessions after meals to clear away any debris.
You may want to invest in an electric toothbrush because it will clean your teeth more thoroughly and help you actually brush for the full two minutes. If you do stick with the acoustic toothbrush, be sure to choose a soft-bristled brush and set a timer for two minutes so that you don’t finish brushing too early.
As you brush, give special attention to your gum line since that’s where the bacteria causing gingivitis will build up. And don’t forget that the backs of your teeth are just as important as the fronts!
Don’t Forget to Floss!
After you brush your teeth, it’s time to whip out that floss. Flossing is crucial for people with gingivitis because it allows you to get in between your teeth and under the gum line. Clearing debris out of these hard-to-reach places will make it more difficult for bacteria to create plaque.
Use an Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash
Once you’ve finished dislodging gunk from your teeth with a good brush and floss, you can use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to rinse everything out. Anti-bacterial mouthwash will help strip plaque bacteria from your teeth and wash it down the drain. Mouthwash is effective at getting any places you miss, and some brands’ anti-bacterial formulas have been shown to reduce gingivitis symptoms.
Don’t Skip Your Next Dentist Appointment
We understand that a trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for some. But it’s crucial for your dentist to monitor your gingivitis to ensure it doesn’t progress into periodontal disease. Your dentist will be able to track your gum disease and recommend a tailored plan of action if necessary. They’ll likely be able to recommend their favorite products that their patients have had success with in the past.
Not only can your dentist keep tabs on your pearly whites, but your hygienist will also be able to perform a deep cleaning. Dental hygienists have multiple tools to remove the maximum amount of built-up plaque. They’ll be able to scrub off hardened tartar and give your gums some breathing room to heal. You can also ask your hygienist for pointers for your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Treating Your Gingivitis
If you think you might have gingivitis, the best thing you can do is go see a dentist. Our team at Texas Periodontal Associates is warm and welcoming, and it’s our number one goal to make you feel comfortable. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any teeth-related questions you may have, and we’ll be more than happy to help you.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can give us a call at 713-457-6351 or fill out our online form. We look forward to hearing from you!