Prevent Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Gingivitis is a gum disease that happens when there is buildup of a pale-yellow film on the teeth, called plaque. It causes redness, irritation and swelling to the gums around the teeth. Despite being preventable, it has been estimated that 90% of the world’s population has chronic gingivitis to some degree*. If not treated, it can even lead to loss of teeth. The good news is that you stop this from happening by taking care of your teeth.

Maintain an Effective and Disciplined Oral Care Routine

The most important thing is to establish a daily oral care routine to prevent gingivitis. Plaque plays a major role in causing gum diseases. Taking a few steps in your day-to-day life can prevent gingivitis. To prevent gum diseases, all you must do is maintain a basic oral routine by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash. Mouthwash not only protects you from germs but also prevents the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. This is the best way to prevent gingivitis beforehand instead of curing it later.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The best way to keep your mouth healthy and clean is by visiting your dentist once every six months. Routine exams and professional cleaning by hygienists and dentists prevent most oral health issues. Schedule an appointment at the dentist if you experience gingivitis symptoms like bloody, tender, or receding gums, loss of teeth or persistent bad breath.

Food for Healthy Gums

You must have read that routine flossing, maintaining your teeth by brushing and overall keeping your mouth in good condition can keep gum problems at bay, but even the food you eat plays a major role in deciding your oral health. Avoiding harsh acidic and sugary foods can do you good, but certain foods should always be included in your diets. Fresh fruits and vegetables that are full of fiber help in keeping your teeth clean and healthy. This lowers the risk of opaque buildup that causes gum diseases.

1. Ginger- Flavor with Health
While also being known as healing herbs, ginger roots also have anti-inflammatory properties and encourage growth of healthy tissues in your mouth.

2. Eat an Apple the Right Way
The famous quote goes - an apple a day keeps the doctor away. An apple can do great wonders for your teeth. While the munching action helps clean the plaque on the gums and teeth, apple juices contain acid - which is not good for your teeth. So, after having an apple, make sure you rinse with mouth to prevent your teeth experiencing negative effects of acidic foods.

3. Do Not Forget Milk
Dairy foods like cheese, yogurt and milk have bone-fortifying calcium. Including milk can help in neutralizing acids that are produced by plaque germs. Drinking milk protects your tooth enamel and makes the teeth strong. Strengthening your jawbone and fighting tooth decay are some of the many pros that come with the inclusion of milk in your diet. Cheese is a perfect alternative to milk.

4. Leafy Greens - Your Go-to
Leafy vegetables are great for gums. They keep the mouth clean as they are fiber-packed and need rigorous chewings to be broken down. High-fiber, cooked beans, celery, and raw spinach offer benefits to your gums.

Increase Water Intake

Did you know water is great for your dental health too? A dehydrated mouth is a haven for germs. Moreover, people often have a diet that is high on sugar and acidic content. Water washes your mouth of such elements, keeping it clean. It’s great to drink at least eight glasses of water a day for a well hydrated body.

Choose Good Oral Habits

To prevent gingivitis and other dental problems, the first step is to visit your dentist regularly. The rest also depends on your lifestyle and patterns.

• Consume a healthy diet
• Drink Water
• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss between teeth at least once a day
• Rinse mouth twice a day with a mouthwash
• Avoid smoking
• Keep an eye on the symptoms of gingivitis

How does LISTERINE® prevent Gum problems?
Simply adding LISTERINE® to your oral health routine can reverse gum problems in two weeks.

Its unique 4 Essential Oils formula with Thymol, Eucalyptol, Menthol and Methyl Salicylate deeply penetrates to remove the bacteria from the plaque biofilm. Listerine® Mouthwash provides up to 24hr protection against germs** that cause gum problems.

^{*Coventry J, Griffiths G, Scully C, Tonetti M. Periodontal disease. BMJ. 2000;321(7252):36-39.}

^{**J Clin Periodontol 2005; 32: 335-340, When rinsed twice daily for 30seconds for two weeks}

This information is intended to generate awareness amongst the users of oral care hygiene products. It is always recommended to seekadvice from your dentist or other qualified health care provided for any diagnosis or treatment.