You most likely have gingivitis if your gums are red, sore, and swollen. The good news is that our dentist in Shelby Township, MI, can help you cure gingivitis before it turns into permanent gum disease.
The habits that we outline here are simple but powerful. When you incorporate all of these habits into your daily routine, your gums and overall health will improve.
Here’s how to get started on your journey to a healthier smile.
1. Tap into the Power of Routines
You already have routines, whether you realize it or not. For example, you may have a routine of watching the news while eating breakfast or grocery shopping on Saturdays.
The point we’re trying to make here is that it’s much easier to add new habits to routines that already exist.
The more you practice a habit, the more you reinforce it.
You want to eventually get to a point where your new habits become so ingrained that you can do them on “autopilot.”
2. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Having too much bacteria in your mouth will irritate your gums. That’s why it’s important that you brush your teeth twice a day to and cure gingivitis.
Dental plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums. After meals, the bacteria consume any sugar left behind and produce an acid that erodes enamel and attacks your gums.
While you can’t see dental plaque, you may be able to feel it on your teeth. Patients who have a lot of plaque often say that their teeth feel rough or “fuzzy,” especially after eating sugary foods.
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time will remove plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar. Once you have tartar buildup, only a dental professional will be able to remove it.
Removing plaque and tartar buildup is essential if you want to cure gingivitis.
3. Floss Once a Day
It doesn’t matter if you floss in the morning, mid-afternoon, or evening. Just as long as you floss your teeth once every 24 hours. Flossing once a day will remove any plaque and food particles hiding between teeth.
Make sure that you . As you floss, gently pull the floss against the side of your tooth to create a “C” shape. Then, move the floss up and down against the tooth. This ensures that the floss hugs the side of your tooth to effectively remove plaque.
4. Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse
Once you lose enamel, it’s gone for good. That’s why we recommend using a fluoride mouth rinse to help strengthen your enamel.
Acid attacks from plaque can weaken your enamel over time, increasing your risk of cavities.
If your home is connected to a public drinking water supply, your water is already fluoridated. But adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your routine can give your teeth the extra protection they need to remain healthy.
5. Don’t Skip Routine Teeth Cleanings
Don’t wait until you’re in pain to see a dentist. In general, we recommend that patients see our dentist at least every 6 months. This gives our dentist the chance to catch any small issues before they worsen.
During your teeth cleaning appointment, we’ll examine the inside of your mouth and possibly take X-rays if it’s been awhile since your last ones. We’ll also remove plaque and tartar. While you can remove plaque at home, only a dental professional can remove tartar during your next teeth cleaning.
If we notice any , we’ll counsel you on the best ways to regain your oral health. We can also recommend specific products that have worked well for our other patients. All you have to do is ask!
6. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
We’re not saying that you can never enjoy another chocolate bar again. But we are saying that eating sweets in moderation will help prevent plaque from building up inside your mouth.
Plaque loves to eat any sugary residue left behind on your teeth and gums. Eating fewer sugary treats means providing less food for the bacteria.
Also, keep in mind that combining this dietary change with the other habits in this blog post will help you maintain a healthy smile for life.
7. Remember to Practice Self-Care
Practicing good oral hygiene at home is a form of self-care. Even if you’ve neglected your oral health in the past, you have the power to change your story and take better care of yourself starting today.
You are worth the extra effort and your gums will thank you for giving them the care they need to heal.
The Takeaway
There are a lot of things you can do to improve the health of your gums and overall smile. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily will go a long way toward curing gingivitis. However, reducing the sugar intake in your diet and seeing Dr. Nazarian for preventive care will also give you more support in the fight against gum disease.
Cure Gingivitis For Good
Our , would be more than happy to help you cure gingivitis and restore your oral health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nazarian, call the Premier Dental Center at (248) 457-0500. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.