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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Care at home plays a key role in preventing and reversing gingivitis. Steps you can take at home include:

  • Get regular professional dental cleanings, on a schedule recommended by your dentist.
  • Use a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every three to four months.
  • Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day, or better yet, after every meal or snack.
  • Floss at least daily.
  • Use an antiseptic mouthwash, if recommended by your dentist.
  • Use an interdental cleaner, such as a dental pick or dental stick specially designed to clean between your teeth.
  • Don't rely on tartar-control toothpaste to do the job that brushing and flossing should do.
Prevention Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Ubertalli JT. Gingivitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch095/ch095c.html?qt=gingivitis&alt=sh. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  2. Davies R, et al. Dentifrices: An update. Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral, Cirugia Bucal. In press. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  3. Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 30, 2010.
  4. Nguyen DH, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
  5. Darby I. Non-surgical management of periodontal disease. Australian Dental Journal 2009;54(suppl):S86.
  6. Gingivitis. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/gingivitis.htm. Accessed Sept. 3, 2010.
  7. Carr AB (expert opinion). MayoClinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 8, 2010.
DS00363 Nov. 18, 2010

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