Do you know how to stop gingivitis? Does your mouth bleed when you brush your teeth? Noticing plaque and tartar above the gumline? Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, appears as the first sign of someone at risk for periodontal disease. Join us in learning how to stop Gingivitis.

At some point, a dentist has no doubt warned you about it before, but you should take gum health seriously. If left unchecked, a domino effect of oral damage progresses, often resulting in the loss of one’s teeth and increased risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and other afflictions. Preventing that from happening is worth 3 to 5 minutes of your time, twice a day, right?

A survey reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that a majority of adults have gingivitis. This suggests that people aren’t taking good enough care of their teeth beyond occasional cleanings with their dentist. With that in mind, our dentists near Collegedale TN offer five ways to stop gum disease and the damage caused by gingivitis:

How to Stop Gingivitis? Brush Twice, Floss Once

The American Dental Association recommends taking the time to brush your teeth in the morning and before bedtime. Flossing should happen during one of those cleaning sessions at home. It’s easy to forget or disregard if you’re in a hurry, but we should make oral health an important part of our daily routine.

Pay More Attention to the Gumline While Brushing

Gingivitis starts with plaque accumulating around the gumline. People often neglect the gums when brushing, but you can easily attack both areas at the same time by angling your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. You might also occasionally “scrape” the tongue with your toothbrush to remove bacteria and toxins.

Keep Your Toothbrush Germ Free

Brushing daily won’t have as much positive impact if we store our toothbrushes in moist environments that promote the growth of germs. Store in the upright position if possible. Possibly alternate between 2 toothbrushes so one can completely dry while the other is used.

Examine Your Nutrition and Lifestyle

Getting at least 800 milligrams daily of Calcium, known to strengthen bones, can reduce the chances of developing gum disease (which may eventually loosen teeth), according to a study from the State University of New York at Buffalo. The National Institute of Health recommends a daily dose of 100 to 200 milligrams of Vitamin C to check bleeding gums. Studies suggest Vitamin D shows anti-inflammatory benefits, which may reduce bleeding between the gums. Excessive smoking and drinking drain the body of vitamins and minerals. Raw vegetables clean and stimulate teeth and gums. Stress and exposure to toxic chemicals can also contribute to oral decay.

Use a Mouthwash After Brushing

A study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology suggests that mouthwash containing the chemicals cetylpridinium chloride or domiphen bromide inhibited the development of plaque and reduced gingivitis. Listerine, for example.

Tedford Family Dentistry in Ooltewah offers preventive dentistry to help stop gum disease and other oral health risks. To learn more about our full preventive dentistry services and doing your part at home on how to stop gingivitis, visit http://tedfordfamilydentistry.com/dental-services-ooltewah-tn/preventive-dentistry-ooltewah-tn

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Written by Steven Stiefel

 

If you are new to an area or looking for a new dentist, you may ask yourself, Siri or Alexa: "How do I find the best dentist near me?".  

Oddly, finding a dentist is sometimes one of the last things people look into when they move to a new area.  They find their dry cleaner, child's school, family doctor and favorite restaurants before their dentist.  However, seeing a dentist can be very important to your overall health.  There are many things to consider when searching for a new dentist.  Below are a few things to consider.

Google Searches for Dentists

If you use Google to research "dentists near me",  Google will provide you with a screen filled with options split into 3 sections. 

1. Typically, the top section of the screen (above the maps box) is paid ads.  Those dentists pay a fee for each click to be listed at the top of the screen, and it may not always reflect on the reputation of the dental practice. 
   
   
2. The next section of the options is what is called Google Maps.  Here you can view dentists by proximity to your device, and you can read reviews about the dentists nearby.
    
3. Below the maps, is a listing of additional dentists that is called organic search.  

Online Reviews

Google Reviews and other 3rd party review sites are a good, unbiased way to learn about a dentist and how their patients feel about the staff, overall experience and more.  Third party sites publish all reviews - the good, the bad and the ugly.  Consumers know the reviews are legitimate.  That is why 8 out of 10 consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. 

Dentist Websites

Research the dentists' websites to make sure that they offer services that meet your needs.  Some dentists specialize in certain areas, while others may offer a wide range of services that meet the needs of your entire family -- from pediatric dentistry to senior dental services.  You might also learn about their staff and informative blog posts.

Recommendation from Friends & Family

You trust your friends and family, and they might be able to recommend a really good dentist.  However, you'll still want to do some basic research to make sure their recommendation meets your needs as far as specific services beyond standard teeth cleaning.

Professional Dental Organizations

Check to be sure that the dentist near you is part of professional dental organizations such as the ADA, Academy of General Dentistry and the Dawson Alumni Association - Dedicated to Complete Care Dentistry.

After you have done your research, and have been to visit the dentist for the first time, you can ask yourself questions such as:

• Did I feel comfortable during my visit?
• Was everything explained clearly to me?
• Was there justification for each procedure?
• Was the dentist wearing loupes (surgical telescopes)?

If all went well, you should feel confident that you did indeed "find the best dentist near me".

 

 

Copyright: maxpro / 123RF Stock Photo