Proper dental hygiene can go a long way toward preventing gum disease. Most of us know the basics:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes.
Floss every day.

Use an antibacterial mouth rinse for more protection from plaque and to improve gingivitis.

Smoking increases the danger of gum disease by damaging gum tissue and increasing inflammation. If you smoke, preventing gum disease is one more very good reason to try to quit.

If gingivitis occurs, your dentist can scrape away plaque buildup at the gum line.
Brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial rinse can usually prevent gingivitis from recurring.