Written by: Dr Madhavi Shetty, Endodontist and co-founder The Func Dent.

For the past 30 years, the combined prevalence of major oral disease conditions, i.e., dental caries and periodontal disease has remained unchanged and ranked higher than any other noncommunicable diseases (NCD) worldwide. Bleeding, swollen, or sore gums are the first signs of gingivitis or early stage gum disease. Other symptoms include bad breath, teeth sensitivity, and even pus.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which can already cause jawbone damage. The gums may also pull away from the teeth, leading to painful, loose adult tooth. This can then result in the eventual loss of permanent teeth.You don't want to lose any of your teeth, so follow the tips below on how to prevent gum disease.

Tips for Gum Care:

Keep your gums healthy with good oral hygiene and diet habits. Practicing the following care tips at home will substantially lower your risk of developing gum disease.

1) Brush your teeth daily: Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, a mineral that helps strengthen enamel and protect your teeth from cavities. Switch to an Electric Toothbrush,Researchers found that electric toothbrushes are better in removing dental plaque.

2) Floss daily: Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach. The act of flossing is more important than the time of day you floss – pick a few spare minutes to get it done whenever you can.

3) Use fluoridated mouthwash: Rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Mouthwash will help remove bacteria and food particles and fluoride will help protect your tooth enamel.

4) Eat a balanced, whole-food diet: Reduce your intake of sugary, starchy and chewy foods, which can all contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Instead, eat a whole-foods diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Eat fibrous foods like apples, celery and leafy greens because fiber requires a lot of chewing, which helps clean out the mouth. Researchers also found that the more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk for gum disease .

5) Rinse your mouth out after eating: It’s not necessary for you to brush your teeth after every meal or snack. But make an effort to rinse your mouth out with clean water after eating. Rinsing removes sugars and food particles lingering in the mouth.

6) Quit smoking: Smoking and tobacco use is a leading cause of gum disease. Because smoking weakens the immune system, your body will have a harder time fighting off infection and healing quickly.

7) Visit your dentist regularly: See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. A deep clean removes plaque and tartar you may have missed while brushing and flossing. Additionally, your dentist can identify and treat early symptoms of gum disease before they cause further damage. Early gingivitis may be painless and present no symptoms – your dentist knows what to look for and when to start treatment.

8) Pull Out Bacteria with Oil: Oil pulling can help reduce the bad bacteria in your mouth. Especially coconut oil, which has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They also reported a considerable reduction in their gingivitis symptoms.
To oil pull, warm up a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for up to 10 minutes. Spit out the used oil on a paper towel or straight to a trash bin.
If you don't have coconut oil, you can also use sesame oil or sunflower oil. Both have also shown plaque-reducing properties.