You may have heard that you need a professional cleaning from your dentist if you have gingivitis. This is true, and cleanings from the dentist are an important tool in the fight against gingivitis. But, it’s important to note that the professional cleaning you’ll get will not cure your problem. There are other steps you need to take in addition to your twice yearly cleanings.
A professional cleaning will remove hardened plaque that is causing gingivitis. But, it’s just as important to do your part at home by removing the bacteria that causes this plaque before it can actually harden.
Brushing, flossing and rinsing are important tools in preventing bacteria from turning into plaque. That’s because they are things you can do at home, every single day to keep your mouth healthy. By removing most of the bacteria from your mouth before it turns to plaque, you minimize the effects of the bacteria, and prevent gingivitis before it happens.
No matter how diligent you are in your oral hygiene routine, you will not be able to kill 100% of the bacteria on your teeth. Some of it will end up hardening on your teeth, which is why those professional cleanings are so important. But, you can’t get your cleanings twice a year and neglect your mouth in between them if you want to avoid gingivitis.
Regular dental cleanings are critical because they remove plaque, and because they give your dentist a chance to check your mouth out for its overall health. Your dentist can find cavities and check for other potential problems if you visit regularly. He or she can also use these opportunities to discuss with you any concerns he or she has about the health of your mouth, and help you take care of them before they become a serious problem.
So, be sure to see your dentist and get those cleanings twice a year. But, don’t assume that you’ve cured your gingivitis by doing so. You may be asking, “Can a particular toothpaste help prevent gingivitis?” Preventing and treating gingivitis requires both visiting the dentist for cleanings and taking care of your mouth at home, too. Brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and rinse with anti-bacterial mouthwash as often as you can. When you perform these steps regularly and visit your dentist twice a year, you have the very best chance for preventing or treating your gingivitis.
