Prevention

For patients with gingivitis, more frequent and efficient tooth brushing and flossing will help to reduce or eliminate the gingival inflammation. The use of anti-calculus toothpastes will help reduce tartar or calculus formation where bacteria can adhere, and may thereby help reduce gingival inflammation. Professional scaling and polishing of teeth is effective in treating gingivitis and preventing periodontitis.

Patients with periodontitis should receive scaling and polishing of teeth every 3 to 4 months. The use of oral antimicrobial solutions is effective in reducing gingivitis when used as an adjunct to tooth brushing and flossing.

Tobacco users have significantly higher odds of developing periodontal diseases, and should therefore receive counseling to promote tobacco cessation. For information on how to provide tobacco cessation counseling, please refer to TOBACCO CESSATION.