What is really the best way to control gingivitis at home? i've always had problems with it, but there are so many different products that say they fight gingivitis that i don't really know what to choose.

There : There have already been some good answers but I am concerned about one thing - you say you have always had problems with it. I can't tell from your question if you have had a professional consultation regarding your condition but if you haven't then you really, really should. The reason is that your disease may be worse than you think and even if it isn't, you risk losing teeth (perhaps all of them) without proper professional intervention. I'm sorry to say, it is not enough to think you can treat periodontal (gum) disease on your own by only your oral hygiene if it is a condition that needs professional care first.

Brush : Brush floss and rinse. I have attached my home care guide at the bottom here. Tooth decay and gum disease are preventable you just need to have the right combination of treatment and technique. Go and have your teeth cleaned and checked and ask the dentist to go over your home care techniques and refine your technique.

Products : Products are only an adjunct treatment. The only things you need to control gingivitis is a toothbrush, dental floss and the proper technics to use them. Save your money, and invest in a nice soft toothbrush and dental floss and spend the time required to remove the plaque from all ares of your teeth. You also may need to see your dentist for a prophylaxis and diagnosis. Then you should be able to manage a case of gingivitis.

Floss!: Good brushing and flossing, and perhaps use of a good mouthrinse like listerine. If it is just gingivitis then this will be beneficial, but if it's progressed to a more serious form, affecting the bone, your home care will not cure the problem.

Gingivitis: If you are brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, I would recommend rinsing once daily with a cupful of the green listerine. It has been shown in studies to reduce gingivitis by like 70%. Rinse once daily with listerine for 30 seconds and spit it out. If you continue having gingivitis, ask your dentist for a prescription for chlorhexidine mouth rinse such as perioguard or peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate).