Preventing Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest state of gum disease and is quite common in people over the age of 35. Gingivitis is most often caused by a buildup of plaque, the sticky film that forms on your teeth when the foods you eat mix with the bacteria in your mouth. Plaque that is not quickly and properly removed can become tartar, which will harbor many more bacteria and can worsen gum disease. Gingivitis in its beginning stages may not have any noticeable symptoms, and you may even be unaware that you have it until your next visit to our Westlake dentist.
Untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease, like periodontitis, which requires professional treatment. Gingivitis can be stopped before it starts with good oral hygiene habits. Appropriate brushing and flossing habits go a long way towards preventing gingivitis.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush twice daily will remove excess plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth, and flossing daily will remove the plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can control the growth of oral bacteria for an extra measure of protection. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle also play an important role in preventing gingivitis by strengthening your immune system and promoting healthy gum tissue.
Because brushing and flossing may not remove all traces of plaque, regular visits to our Westlake cosmetic dentist play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. Our dentist will provide a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. If you have any risk factors for gingivitis, you may need to increase the frequency of your regularly scheduled dental cleanings.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
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Untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease, like periodontitis, which requires professional treatment. Gingivitis can be stopped before it starts with good oral hygiene habits. Appropriate brushing and flossing habits go a long way towards preventing gingivitis.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush twice daily will remove excess plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth, and flossing daily will remove the plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can control the growth of oral bacteria for an extra measure of protection. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle also play an important role in preventing gingivitis by strengthening your immune system and promoting healthy gum tissue.
Because brushing and flossing may not remove all traces of plaque, regular visits to our Westlake cosmetic dentist play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. Our dentist will provide a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. If you have any risk factors for gingivitis, you may need to increase the frequency of your regularly scheduled dental cleanings.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
Back to Blog