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The best way to prevent gingivitis is good oral hygiene - brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Most dentists recommend brushing after every meal. It is essential to begin a good oral hygiene routine very early in life because children, as young as 6, can develop gingivitis.
• Toothbrush – Choosing a good toothbrush is very important. With so many shapes, sizes and styles of toothbrushes on the market, deciding which kind to buy can be confusing. Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Stiff, hard bristles are likely to injure your gums. The best toothbrush is one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth easily. An electric toothbrush is a good alternative for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months whichever comes first. It is also a good idea to change toothbrushes after you have had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.
• Brushing – Proper brushing is essential to remove plaque and keep your teeth clean:
§ Brush twice a day
§ Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth.
§ Brush both the outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.
§ Gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places.
§ Brush for a full 2-3 minutes.
• Floss - Brushing is important but it will not remove the plaque and particles of food between your teeth, under the gumline, or under braces. For this, you will need to floss these spaces at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque between your teeth and gums and is crucial for good oral hygiene. Use about 18 inches of floss, holding it taut around each tooth and scrape up and down each side of each tooth. Each stroke should go slightly below your gum line until you feel resistance. The type of floss you choose depends on how much space you have between your teeth. With any floss, you should be careful to avoid injuring your gums. Follow these instructions:
§ Carefully insert the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion. Gently bring the floss to the gumline. Curve the floss around the edge of your tooth in the shape of the letter "C" and slide it up and down the side of each tooth.
§ Repeat this process between all your teeth.
• Dental checkups - In addition to daily brushing and flossing, visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleaning. After cleaning, the dental hygienist will polish your teeth. The process cleans and smoothes the surfaces of the teeth removing stains and making it harder for plaque to stick to the teeth. |
