Can Gum Disease Be Treated at Home?
Gum disease is not a condition you should ever ignore. At the first signs of trouble, you should talk to your dentist about how to treat these issues and restore your gums to good health. While the dentist can recommend in-office treatment, there are also things you can do on your own. Along with good prevention methods, make sure you follow some effective techniques for stopping this disease. If you take these matters seriously, you can improve the way you feel and the way your gums and teeth look.
Preventing gum disease
This disease is common among people of all ages. In its beginning stages, known as gingivitis, gums swell and turn red. They may even bleed while the person is eating or brushing. Neglecting these signs can lead to a more serious stage called periodontitis. Teeth can start to pull away from the gums, the gums can recede, and bone loss can occur.
Prevention is possible with good oral hygiene. People should brush at least twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste. This eliminates bacteria from the teeth and gumline. Flossing will also dislodge food particles and other debris, which would otherwise invite bacteria and the buildup of plaque and tartar.
Seeing a dentist
The general dentist can diagnose a person with gum disease and start a treatment plan. In between regular checkups, patients should also look for signs of this condition. If any of the major symptoms are present, the person should schedule an appointment with the dentist. The dentist can determine the severity of the disease and whether in-office treatments are necessary. Regular follow-up on gum health may occur for patients with significant gum issues.
Brushing
If the gum disease is mild, effective brushing could stop it and reverse its effects. Along with twice-a-day brushing, the individual should use a soft brush and get a new one every three months. The person should spend about two minutes brushing. It is important to brush both sides of every tooth and focus on brushing gums and the gumline. Brushing after meals is particularly vital.
Flossing
Flossing is an activity that many people ignore. Flossing between every tooth once a day will reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It prevents the formation of plaque and tartar. Flossing should not be vigorous, but the patient should spend enough time on each tooth to do a thorough job. Flossing too much can pose more problems than it can be beneficial.
Use a mouthwash
Rinsing with a mouthwash once or twice a day can help. A rinse can kill the germs that contribute to gum disease. Make sure the product has antiseptics so that it can clean the mouth more effectively. The dentist can also recommend a good mouthwash.
Do your part to stop this disease
You should be the first line of defense against gum disease. Your dentist can help and provide treatment, but daily habits can turn back periodontitis. Brush and floss daily, and continue to visit the dentist. You can reduce the risk of more serious problems, such as tooth loss and bone loss.
Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Bakersfield, CA.
Recent Posts
Most people have experienced seeing red on the bristles of their toothbrush, or a pink tint in the sink when they expectorate after brushing. It is normal to feel a bit of concern when noticing blood in the mouth because bleeding gums are a symptom commonly associated with gum disease. However, while chronic bleeding gums…
Gum disease starts with the growth of bacteria in the mouth. When brushing or flossing does not remove this bacteria, harmful plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar. The collection of tartar along the gum line results in gingivitis, which can worsen into periodontal disease. Symptoms of this disease can be mild in the early stages,…
Gum disease may be reversed if caught early on; however, this is not the case as the condition advances. Read on to learn more about this oral health condition. Patients need to learn to watch out for signs of gum disease and go for general dentistry treatment. However, it may be helpful to know that…
Gum disease is one of the more common diseases in the world. The condition attacks the gums and bone supporting the teeth and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Considering that mouth health is linked to overall wellbeing, there have been studies linking gum disease and diabetes. This article explores…