September was established as Gum Care Month to help raise awareness about gingivitis and gum disease and help people develop strategies to keep their gums healthy. At ZDental, we know that your gum health is foundational to your overall oral health and the health of your entire body. Here are some tips to help you prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, also known as periodontitis. It occurs when bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up around the gum line, causing irritation, swelling, and excessive bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into full-blown gum disease, at which point it can put you at risk of severe infections and tooth loss, and can even damage your heart and shorten your life. The good news is that gingivitis and gum disease can be prevented with a robust oral health routine.

How to Prevent Gingivitis

If you brush your teeth twice per day, use floss once per day, use an ADA-approved mouthwash, and visit the dentist twice per year, you are already doing everything you need to do to prevent gingivitis. Of course, we know that not everyone follows every oral healthcare measure that is recommended by the American Dental Association. That’s why an estimated 47.2% of Americans are living with some degree of gum disease.

If you are missing any of the important steps in your oral healthcare routine, know that it is never too late to start taking better care of your gums. If you start to develop common gingivitis symptoms like pain, redness, swelling, and bleeding, we recommend you speak to a dentist immediately and make sure you add any steps you are missing. With early intervention, it is simple to reverse the damage done by gingivitis and get healthier gums.

If your trip to the dentist reveals that your gingivitis has progressed into gum disease, you can still take some steps to mitigate the damage caused and get on the path to a healthier mouth. At this stage, your symptoms will have likely progressed and can include excessive bleeding, tenderness, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth or tooth loss. If you want to save your teeth and gums, it is crucial that you follow all your dentist’s recommendations. The sooner you get to a dentist and start following their advice, the better your chances will be of saving your teeth and gums from permanent damage.

Affordable Dental Care in Philadelphia

ZDental has 7 locations in New Jersey and the Philadelphia area, and we will be happy to advise you on how to avoid gingivitis and gum disease. Visit our contact page, find the clinic that is most convenient for you, and call or request an appointment online to start taking better care of your gums today. In addition to providing general dental care in Trenton and surrounding communities, we can also assist you with a range of other dental specialties, including emergency dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontia, and more!