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Should I brush my gums if I have gingivitis?


Gingivitis is a common gum disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling of the gums. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to build up along the gumline. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious forms of gum disease like periodontitis. Many people wonder if they should brush their gums if they have gingivitis. Here is a quick overview of the key points:

  • Yes, you should gently brush your gums if you have gingivitis. Proper brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria that cause gingivitis.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle along the gumline.
  • Don’t brush too hard as this can damage gum tissue. Use gentle, circular motions.
  • Brush your gums whenever you brush your teeth, at least twice daily.
  • Flossing daily is also important to remove plaque between teeth that can irritate gums.
  • See your dentist regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Proper oral hygiene like brushing and flossing is important for treating gingivitis and preventing it from getting worse. Read on for more details on effectively brushing your gums with gingivitis.

The Importance of Brushing Your Gums

Here’s why it’s important to gently brush your gums if you have gingivitis:

  • Removes plaque: Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that builds up on teeth. Too much plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis. Brushing your gums helps dislodge and remove this harmful plaque from gum tissues.
  • Fights gingivitis: The abrasive action of brushing physically removes bacteria and plaque that causes swelling, redness and bleeding associated with gingivitis.
  • Prevents tartar: Plaque that is not removed eventually hardens into tartar that adheres strongly to teeth. Brushing gums decreases plaque and tartar formation.
  • Stimulates gums: Gentle brushing along the gumline can help stimulate circulation in gums and improve overall gum health.
  • Avoids progression: If gingivitis is not properly treated, it can advance to periodontitis and eventual tooth loss. Brushing gums disrupts this progression.

In short, making brushing your gums part of your regular oral hygiene routine helps treat and manage gingivitis while preventing more serious gum disease.

How to Properly Brush Your Gums

Here are some tips for effectively brushing your gums when you have gingivitis:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging gum tissues.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if bristles become frayed.
  • Angle the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet.
  • Gently brush along the gumline using short, circular motions.
  • Apply light pressure when brushing inflamed gums.
  • Brush your gums thoroughly whenever you brush your teeth.
  • Take time to brush the inside and outside surfaces of all teeth.
  • Brush your tongue to help freshen breath.
  • Brush for a full 2 minutes, at least twice daily.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing motions as this can damage gum tissues. The key is gentle, thorough brushing to clear away bacteria without further irritating inflamed gums.

Brushing Techniques

Try these effective brushing techniques for brushing gums with gingivitis:

Circular motions: Use gentle circular motions along the gumline and tooth surfaces. This helps disrupt plaque and sweep it away.

Up-and-down brushing: Gently brush up-and-down along the gumline to stimulate gums.

Quadrant brushing: Divide mouth into 4 sections and thoroughly brush each section for 30 seconds.

Always take care not to brush too vigorously. Let the toothbrush bristles do the work.

Other Oral Hygiene Tips

Here are some other oral hygiene tips for managing gingivitis:

  • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth that irritates gums.
  • Use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
  • Eat a balanced, nutritious diet and limit sugary foods.
  • Drink plenty of water to help keep the mouth moist.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol which can dry out the mouth.
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
  • See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Proper oral hygiene along with professional care can help control gingivitis and prevent recurring issues.

Special Considerations

Here are some additional tips for people with gingivitis:

  • Pregnant women need to be vigilant about gum health as gingivitis risk increases with shifting hormones.
  • People with diabetes are at higher risk for gingivitis and should monitor gum health closely.
  • Older adults are also at increased risk due to medication use or inadequate nutrition.
  • Stress and anxiety can contribute to gum inflammation.
  • Certain medications like blood pressure drugs can increase susceptibility.

Be extra diligent with oral hygiene if you have any of these conditions. See your dentist right away if gums appear swollen or bleed excessively when brushing.

Warning Signs

See your dentist promptly if you experience any of the following warning signs that may indicate a gum infection or advanced gum disease:

  • Ongoing bad breath or foul taste in your mouth
  • Red, swollen or bleeding gums
  • Pain or tenderness in your gums
  • Gums that pull away from the teeth
  • Pus discharge between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Sensitive teeth or mouth pain

Don’t delay in getting dental care if gum problems persist or seem to be getting worse despite improved brushing.

When to See a Dentist

You should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away if you notice any symptoms of gingivitis. See a dentist immediately if your gums are:

  • Bleeding when you brush or floss
  • Swollen or red for more than 1-2 days
  • Painful or sensitive to touch

Other reasons to see a dentist promptly include:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gum line
  • Changes in tooth alignment
  • Pus discharge from gums
  • Loose teeth

Don’t wait with gum issues as the condition can worsen. Dentists have special tools to clean below the gumline and can provide medications or treatments to help resolve gingivitis.

Professional Treatment

Your dentist may recommend the following professional treatments for gingivitis:

  • Deep cleaning: Removes hardened plaque or tartar below gumline that you can’t reach with brushing and flossing.
  • Medicated mouth rinses: Prescription antimicrobial rinses reduce bacteria and inflammation.
  • Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed for certain gum infections.
  • Laser therapy: Laser light can remove diseased gum tissue and stimulate healing.
  • Surgery: Corrective surgery if gum damage is severe.

Follow any special post-treatment instructions from your dentist, like using warm saltwater rinses, to help gums heal and stay healthy.

Gingivitis Prevention

Here are some tips to help prevent gingivitis in the first place:

  • Brush properly twice daily and floss once daily.
  • See the dentist every 6 months for exams and cleanings.
  • Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily.
  • Monitor gum health between dental visits.
  • Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Manage health conditions like diabetes that increase risk.
  • Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.

Good oral hygiene habits, regular dental care, and healthy lifestyle choices can keep your gums in good condition.

When Brushing Isn’t Enough

Sometimes gingivitis can develop even with regular oral hygiene. Additional factors that can contribute to gingivitis include:

  • Hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
  • Ill-fitting crowns or dentures
  • Crooked teeth or dental appliances that are hard to clean
  • Poor nutrition that impacts healing
  • Stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Medications that cause dry mouth
  • Existing health conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS

If gum inflammation and irritation persists despite careful brushing and flossing, consult your dentist to identify any underlying causes. Additional treatment or lifestyle changes may be needed to resolve gingivitis.

Conclusion

Regularly brushing your gums is a critical part of managing gingivitis and preventing complications. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle motions to clear away harmful plaque without further irritating inflamed gums. Combine proper brushing technique with daily flossing, antiseptic mouthwash, and regular dental cleanings. See your dentist right away if gingivitis symptoms do not improve or worsen. Consistent oral hygiene, healthy lifestyle habits, and professional care can keep gingivitis controlled and keep your gums and smile healthy.