Do you have what it takes to stop plaque from harming your mouth? You will do when you’ve finished reading this.
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is caused by plaque that has built up around the gumline. The germs in this sticky substance can harm your gums, causing inflammation and gums that may bleed when you brush or floss.
Periodontitis
Later on, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. At this stage the gumline can recede and plaque germs can cause damage to the tissue. Worse than that, they can burrow even deeper, damaging the very bone that holds your teeth in place.
Other Health Issues
If that’s not serious enough, it gets worse: not only can this oral health condition lead to tooth loss, but it also may be connected to health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Luckily, you can fight back. Oral care habits that focus on fighting plaque can help to treat gingivitis and stop the later stages of this disease from ever developing.
So what do you pack in your oral care arsenal?
1. The right toothbrush and toothpaste
Plaque is always building up on your teeth and gums. To prevent gum disease you need a toothbrush that will remove germs from your entire mouth like Colgate 360 ActiFlex, which has a tongue and cheek cleaner and a flexible head to clean in all directions. You’ve got the right tool, now what do you put on it? A gingivitis toothpaste will have active ingredients to kill germs and keep your gums safe from plaque build-up. Brush at least twice daily for a full two minutes, thoroughly cleaning the gum line, every surface of your teeth and your tongue. You’d be surprised how few people do this.
2. The right floss
You have two choices: you can use a nylon or a PTFE floss. A PTFE or monofilament floss is less likely to shred than a nylon floss, but both are effective at removing plaque. Use your floss to clean the spaces in between your teeth as well as the area beneath the gum line.
Flossing is so important in the fight against gum disease because it removes plaque from those hard to reach places that your toothbrush may not be able to clean.
3. The right mouthwash
In addition to brushing and flossing, your dentist may recommend a mouthrinse to reduce plaque. A gingivitis mouthwash contains antimicrobial ingredients to kill germs and freshen your breath at the same time. What’s not to love?
Talk to your dentist about using a mouthwash like Colgate Plax, which offers 12-hour germ protection against plaque and germs.
Brush, floss, and rinse away germs with a dentist recommended mouthwash to stop gum disease from developing in your mouth. It’s a triple threat that will have gum disease heading for the hills, instead of your mouth.
Original content by Brenna Stone
