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://www.dentalcenterhomestead.com or call Monem Dental at (305) 508-5148 for an appointment in our Homestead office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Homestead, FL.
Related Posts
A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn when it happens. However, if a broken tooth is not an emergency, your general dentist can fix it in several ways. These professionals are skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which are important for repairing teeth.If the affected area has…
Dental implants are artificial roots that a dentist surgically places into the jawbone. The prosthetic tooth is then attached to the implant and acts like a real tooth, replacing missing teeth or repairing broken ones. This guide will review the three different types of dental implants available today.Endosteal implants contain titanium that dentists place into…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…
Dental implants replace missing teeth and help with chewing, speaking, and smiling. They can consist of titanium or a combination of titanium and ceramic materials. Dental implants serve as anchors for artificial replacements: full dentures, partial dentures, dental crowns, and bridges. If you are considering dental implants, this guide will help you know what to…