Gum disease impacts more than 75% of Americans, and the most common form of gum disease is something called gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include swollen gums, bleeding gums and gum sensitivity. If you suspect that you have gingivitis, or if your dentist has told you as much, there are a number of things that you can do at-home to treat and fight off your gingivitis.

Take Time To Brush and Floss Properly

If you aren't brushing and flossing properly, you will never be able to recover from your gum disease. It is important to take the time to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, both morning and night. Brush in small circles and don't forget to brush behind your teeth as well. When you floss, you should have the floss "hug" the curve of your tooth and gently scrape. You should do this to both sides of all your teeth in order to ensure that you are removing as much debris and bacteria as possible.

Salt Rinse

Salt has antibacterial properties which can help when you are trying to fight off gingivitis at home. A salt rinse can help with the swelling and the inflammation of your gums. Add a small amount of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and stir, then rinse your mouth out with the solution. This should be done daily for the best results.

Baking Soda

Using a baking soda paste can help to neutralize the acidity in your mouth, helping prevent plaque buildup and treating your gingivitis. To use a baking soda paste, mix a small amount of baking soda with water until a paste is formed. Then, apply the paste to your gums. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off.

Antibacterial Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwashes can be bought over-the-counter at most stores and should be used daily when you are trying to fight off gingivitis. These mouthwashes are able to penetrate the nooks and crannies that brushing and flossing alone can't reach and will kill off the harmful bacteria that causes gingivitis.

If your gingivitis has progressed pretty far along and at-home treatment options aren't working, you need to visit the dentist. The dentist can perform scaling and rooting to help rid underneath your gums of built-up plaque and can then prescribe you a prescription mouth wash that will help your mouth fight off the gingivitis.

For more information, contact Suncoast Dental Center or a similar location.

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