Prevention
- Twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste using modified Bass technique
- Daily interdental cleaning (flossing or interdental brushes) — removes plaque from gingival embrasures
- Professional scaling and polishing every 6 months for susceptible individuals
- Dietary counseling: reduce fermentable carbohydrates; adequate vitamin C intake
- Tobacco cessation — smoking masks gingival inflammation and worsens disease
- Control of systemic risk factors (diabetes, medication review)
- Electric toothbrush use significantly reduces plaque and gingivitis scores vs. manual
- Tongue cleaning to reduce halitosis and bacterial load