Did you know gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30 in the U.S.? In fact, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss, but it starts off small. The initial stage of this condition is called gingivitis. It can advance into a more serious problem, but there are ways you can prevent it. Here is what you should know about this oral health issue and home remedies you can try.
What Is Gingivitis Again?
As a quick refresher, gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. It’s often caused by a buildup of bacteria along the gumline, but there are several risk factors for it. Smoking, chronic health conditions, and certain medications can increase your chances of developing it.
This condition often makes your gums inflamed, noticeably red, or bleed when brushing and flossing. It can be uncomfortable to deal with, but damage done can oftentimes be reversed when it’s caught early. Your dentist can give you a treatment along with advice on what you can do at home.
So, What Home Remedies Can Prevent Gum Disease?
If you prefer more natural remedies to gingivitis, then there are several you can try out that can prevent it. These are a few that can help:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Swishing around salt water in your mouth can help remove bacteria that spell trouble and relieve swollen gums. Simply add a tablespoon of it into a glass of water and use it as mouthwash.
- Keep Up with Flossing: This habit is important in cleaning your smile effectively. Brushing only removes up to 60% of plaque as it can’t reach all the crevices between your teeth or under your gumline. Thankfully, dental thread can, so try to do it once a day.
- Oil Pulling: This technique is when you swirl oil in your mouth for 30 minutes. It’s believed to reduce bacteria in your mouth and combat plaque buildup that leads to gum disease. You can use coconut oil, but make sure you spit it out and try to keep it away from the back of your throat.
In the end, the methods above may help prevent gingivitis in your smile. However, if you notice any symptoms of it, then don’t forget your dentist is here to help; that way, you can feel confident knowing your gums are in great shape.
About the Practice
Do you want to take steps to protect the soft tissues in your mouth? Our team at Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix is dedicated to helping keep them problem-free with gum disease treatment. Led by skilled dentists, we can spot issues in their minor stages and fix them before serious complications are caused. If you want to make sure you are doing your best to avoid this condition, schedule an appointment or call our office at 602-404-3483.