GingivaGuard: Complete Gum Care Guide

Health Dashboard

Welcome to your interactive guide for gum health. Periodontal health is a window to your overall well-being. Use this dashboard to assess your current symptoms and understand the urgency of care.

Interactive Symptom Checker

Select all that apply to see a risk assessment.

Did you know?

47.2%

of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.

Source: CDC / EKE Surveillance

The Spectrum of Gum Disease

Gum disease isn't binary; it's a progression. Understanding where you stand on this spectrum is critical for effective treatment. Click the stages below to explore the physiological changes.

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Healthy Gums

REVERSIBLE

Visual Signs

Pale pink, firm, stippled texture (like an orange peel). No bleeding during brushing.

What's Happening

The gum tissue fits tightly around the tooth. The bone level is intact, holding the tooth firmly in place. There are no pockets deeper than 3mm.

Required Action

Maintain routine: Brush 2x daily, floss 1x daily, professional cleaning every 6 months.

The Optimal Routine

Consistency beats intensity. A perfect routine takes about 5-7 minutes. Use this interactive checklist to audit your current habits.

Step 1: Interdental Cleaning (Flossing)

PRIOR TO BRUSHING

Dislodge debris between teeth before brushing. Use string floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. Ensure you curve the floss around the tooth (C-shape).

Step 2: The Modified Bass Technique

2 MINUTES

Angle brush 45° towards the gumline. Use gentle circular motions. Do not scrub horizontally. Cover all surfaces (outer, inner, chewing).

Step 3: Tongue Cleaning

10 SECONDS

Bacteria on the tongue contributes to gum disease and halitosis. Sweep from back to front.

Step 4: Spit, Don't Rinse

CRITICAL

Spit out excess toothpaste but do not rinse with water immediately. Allow the fluoride to sit on the teeth and gums to remineralize enamel.

Routine Efficacy Score

0 /100

Select steps to calculate your routine's protection level.

Data-Driven Care

Not all tools are created equal. We've visualized clinical data to help you select the most effective methods for interdental cleaning and understanding risk factors.

Plaque Removal Effectiveness

Comparison of interdental cleaning methods in reducing gingival bleeding and plaque.

Data approximated from Cochrane Reviews on Interdental Brushing vs Flossing.

Contributors to Periodontitis

Relative impact of various risk factors on disease progression.

Based on generalized periodontal risk assessment models.

Key Takeaway

While dental floss is the most common tool, data suggests that Interdental Brushes are significantly more effective at plaque removal where space permits. However, technique is the primary driver of success across all tools.

Nutrition & Risk Factors

Gum health is built from the inside out. Deficiencies can weaken gum tissue, while systemic habits can accelerate bone loss.

The Gum Health Diet

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Vitamin C

Essential for collagen production. A deficiency causes gums to weaken and bleed (scurvy effect).
Eat: Citrus, Bell Peppers, Kiwi.

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Vitamin K

Crucial for blood clotting. Helps reduce bleeding during cleaning.
Eat: Spinach, Kale, Leafy Greens.

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Hydration

Saliva is nature's defense against bacteria. Dehydration leads to dry mouth, increasing plaque acidity.
Action: Drink water after every meal.

The Danger Zone

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Smoking / Vaping

The #1 risk factor. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, masking bleeding signs while accelerating bone destruction.

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Sugar & Starch

Sugar feeds the specific bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) that create the acid and toxins causing gingivitis.

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Bruxism (Grinding)

Excessive force on teeth can damage the periodontal ligament and bone, worsening existing gum disease.