Brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups are the essential oral care habits for preventing gum disease, but did you know there is more that you can do for your smile? Rinsing with a gingivitis mouthwash can help to reduce bacteria in your mouth and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, is very treatable. With stellar oral hygiene you can turn back gum inflammation and stop the later stages of the disease from developing. Talk to your dentist about supplementing your daily oral care routine with the right mouthwash for protecting your gums from germs.
A Good Gingivitis Mouthwash
Plaque, which is made up of bacteria from germs in the mouth, is the culprit of gingivitis. This sticky substance is always building up on your teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing can help remove plaque and stop it from harming your mouth. Otherwise bad bacteria can go after gum tissue, causing inflammation, tenderness and even gums that bleed during brushing, the classic symptoms of gingivitis. Using mouthwashes that kill germs can also help to protect your mouth.
A good mouthwash for fighting gingivitis will have excellent antibacterial properties. A mouth rinse such as Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield can kill bacteria on contact and diminish the amount of plaque in your mouth for 12 hours, effectively stopping germs from deteriorating your oral health. Look for an antibacterial mouth rinse that is intended to fight plaque and gingivitis and that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Some mouth rinses use alcohol as an active antibacterial ingredient. Ask your dentist if an alcohol-free mouthwash is right for you. Keep in mind that a gingivitis mouthwash may not contain fluoride; you can brush with fluoride toothpaste for daily cavity protection benefits.
Fighting Gum Disease
Gum disease is serious. It not only can affect your smile, but it also can have an impact on your overall health. According to the American Dental Association, advanced gum disease can lead to a loss of gum tissue and bone. It may also be linked to serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Fortunately with oral care products that act to kill germs like an antibacterial mouthwash, there are plenty of tools available to you to protect your mouth from gum disease. Brush and floss daily. See your dentist at least every six months for a check-up and talk with him about using the best products available for fighting gingivitis. Give your smile a healthy advantage.