Gingivitis

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Gingivitis

It seems as though the 300 or so types of bacteria that homestead in our mouths have a biting sense of humor. We fight them tooth and nail to prevent cavities. Then, just as we think we're flossing enough and brushing enough to stop cavities, bacteria burrow into another area--our gums. As we get older, neglect of our gums begins to catch up with us until, when we've reached age 35 or so, our dentist mentions gum disease.

The earliest and most treatable form of gum disease is gingivitis, a buildup of bacterial plaque that causes gums to redden, swell and bleed easily. Although this kind of gum disease is painless, failing to treat gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a condition that eventually causes tooth loss.

Brushing after meals and daily flossing comprise the one-two punch that can help keep your gums in the pink. But beyond the basics, here are some other ways to help put the bite on gingivitis.

Take your pick. "One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent gingivitis, especially for people who don't floss regularly, is to use soft wooden toothpicks that you can buy at most drugstores," says David Garber, D.M.D., clinical professor of periodontics and prosthodontics at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. These toothpicks have rounded edges and are shaped to fit between teeth, so you can get into areas where plaque does the most harm, says Dr. Garber. Two popular brands of wooden points are Sanodent and Stim-U-Dent.

When to See the Doctor What happens if you ignore the sore, bleeding gums that are a sign of gingivitis? You risk more serious periodontal disease and the possible loss of your teeth. Here are the signs that warn you your gingivitis is getting more serious. If you have any of them, see your dentist immediately. You have bad breath that doesn't go away within 24 hours. Your teeth look longer--a result of your gums shrinking away from your teeth. Your mouth feels out of alignment when you shut it because your teeth come together differently. Your partial dentures fit differently. Pus pockets form between your teeth and gums. Your teeth are loose, fall out or break off near the gum line. Also, if your gums still bleed when you brush your teeth and continue to be sore and swollen despite your efforts at good oral hygiene, you need to see your dentist again.

Go electric. "Various studies show that you'll remove more plaque with an electric toothbrush than by brushing manually," says Palm Harbor, Florida, dentist Paul Caputo, D.D.S. The Interplak electric toothbrush removes 80 percent more plaque than a regular toothbrush, he says. Other doctors recommend the Rotodent model, but it can be purchased by prescription only. Check with your dentist.

Shoot with a stream. Another helpful device to stop the early stages of gingivitis is a Water Pik or similar device. Just direct the Water Pik's sharp stream of water toward the tiny "moats" between each tooth and the gum line. Bacteria are caught in the stream and washed away when you rinse out your mouth.

Add muscle to your mouth. Just as bones in the rest of your body can get brittle and shrink, so can your teeth and jawbone--making you more susceptible to gingivitis and other dental problems. "Calcium seems to help people with gingivitis," says Dr. Caputo. "It strengthens bones and teeth." Drinking two glasses of skim milk a day provides about 90 percent of your Recommended Dietary Allowance of calcium.

Read the mouthwash label. Score one for truth in advertising. "Research shows that gargling with Listerine really does stop plaque buildup and reduce gingivitis," says Dr Garber. Studies by other doctors show that Viadent and some other mouthwashes can also help reduce gingivitis. When buying a generic mouthwash, check the label for cetylpyridinium chloride or domiphen bromide, the active ingredients that reduce plaque.

Attack the tartar. There are many toothpastes specifically formulated for tartar control, including Crest, Colgate and Pepsodent. That's important, because tartar, when it hardens, turns into the plaque that causes gingivitis. "They really are more effective at preventing gingivitis than other brands that don't claim to fight tartar," adds Dr. Garber.

Time yourself brushing. Sure, brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent gingivitis, but don't think that a quick 30-second once-over will guarantee you gorgeous gums. "You have a better chance at removing all the plaque if you brush for at least five minutes two or three times a day," says Dr. Garber

Don't forget the gums. Don't be too literal about toothbrushing. The usually neglected gum line is where plaque hardens and causes gingivitis, says Vincent Cali, D.D.S., a New York City dentist and author of The New, Lower-Cost Way to End Gum Trouble without Surgery. He suggests you place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, so half of the brush cleans your gums while the other half cleans your teeth.

Knead those gums. Along with extensive gum brushing, a daily gum massage improves blood circulation. That can help make gums more resistant to gingivitis and other gum disease, says dentist Richard Shepard, D.D.S., of Durango, Colorado. Grip an area of your gums between your thumb and index finger (index on the outside) and rub--on the top and bottom gums. A few minutes' massage every day, all around the top and bottom gums, should help stop gingivitis.

Brush your tongue. "Your tongue harbors a lot of the bacteria that can cause plaque, so brush it when you brush your teeth," says Dr. Garber

Brush Up on Your Brushing There's a simple way to gauge how effectively you are brushing your teeth-and guarding against gum disease. Most dentists can provide disclosing tablets for patient use. "You simply brush your teeth, take a tablet and chew it up, swish it around your mouth and then rinse with water," says David Garber, D.M.D., clinical professor of periodontics and prosthodontics at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. "The tablets color areas on your teeth where you still have plaque, letting you see the areas that require more attention." Modify your brushing to get those areas every time and you'll go a long way toward attacking gingivitis and preventing tooth loss.

Practice with a Proxabrush. This specially designed brush, available at most drugstores, is shaped like a very small bottle brush and is designed to get into hard-to-reach places between your teeth or under a crown or bridge. It's not a substitute for daily brushing with your regular toothbrush, but using a Proxabrush is an extra way to attack hidden plaque, according to dentist Roger P. Levin, D.D.S., president of the Maryland Academy of General Dentistry. You can ask for one at your local pharmacy.

Heal faster with vitamin C. While it won't cure gingivitis, vitamin C makes bleeding gums a little less bloody and promotes the healing process. "I recommend vitamin C to my patients," says Dr. Caputo. Oranges and other citrus fruits (as well as citrus fruit drinks) are the star suppliers of vitamin C, and there are great vegetable sources such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and tomatoes. Or, says Dr. Caputo, you can supplement your diet with 500 milligrams of vitamin C daily.