For many people, gingivitis is a dreaded condition associated with loss of teeth and bleeding gums. It is actually a mild form of periodontal disease.

Perhaps as many as 75 to 80% of people have some gingivitis or gum disease right now! A good prognosis is necessary for effective prevention and treatment.

If left unattended, it can lead to bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth loss and canker sores among others. And these are just some of the milder complications or consequences associated with it. Many systemic disease have also been associated with the bacteria that enter the blood from disease gum tissue.

So how do you prevent it? The one thing about gingivitis and evenmore advanced gum diseases is that they are often not attended to until later. Hence, it is usually already present before it can be arrested or stopped  in its tracks.

The good news is that it can often be prevented from progressing. There are actually quite a few ways to ensure that you prevent the onset of this disease.

The best one you can do from home might be to use an oral irrigator, like the hydro floss. 

An oxygenated, pH balanced mouthwash such as the therabreath brand can also be helpful. These provide oxygen that the 'bad bacteria' do not like very much.

Essential oils, like those in Oramd, might help as well. 

Be advised that you may need more than one approach to deal effectively with the problem. 

On the professional side it is important to get a regular prophylaxis at least twice a year. It will not only be for the purpose of cleaning your teeth, it will also be useful for getting a diagnosis on your gums and whether or not you are showing symptoms of this condition.

You also want to make sure that you deal with dry mouth, often caused by a lack of hydration. This can be exacerbated or caused by increased physical activities such as working out. Even taking certain types of medications can cause this dryness. Just make sure you prevent dry mouth to prevent rapid bacterial growth.

*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise upon, diagnose or treat any health problem whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health problem, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

Do you believe that gums must recede as we age? If you do, then it might seem natural to you to lose teeth. I have known people in their late 80's and I am surprised to see that they still have their complete set of teeth. They say that they have been very cautious when it comes to the food they intake and with proper home care.

Funny how some elderly would stick out their dentures and scare their grand children away - happy bonding time with the family, something really worth reminiscing. But do you know that there is more to life than just making the children in your family have a good time when they see you play with your dentures? Besides brushing and flossing, have you tried the hydrofloss yet? 

Perhaps you are making it appealing to them so that they tend to like the idea or at least accept that they would lose their teeth one by one. I have actually asked a child who had his first permanent molar extracted at the age of 12. Imagine how many years more he has to live without his first molar. This does not bother him as he is actually enjoying the idea that he may soon wear dentures. Wouldn't it be better to use a mouthwash like therabreath?

Some patients sound weird as they talk to the receptionist that they are having several incisors extracted due to little discolorations. I thought to myself, I am so fortunate to have mine complete never having to undergo multiple extractions and never ever considering having one. Essential oils, like those in Oramd may be helpful. 

And I realized that the greatest secret of the successful ones is that they meticulously cared for their teeth throughout their lifetime. You don't have to lose your teeth as you grow old. Gum recession does not have to be part of the aging process.

Learn more about what you can do to prevent or stop gum disease.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.