Gum disease threatens the well-being of your gums, teeth, and bones, but early intervention is possible. Regular brushing and flossing sessions, dental checkups, and professional cleanings remove bacteria buildup that contributes to tartar buildup and help reverse gum disease.

Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria. They may also install tissue grafts to cover exposed roots and reduce root exposure. Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist nearby for guidance and treatment options for gum disease?

Preventing Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease requires brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once daily, and using antibacterial mouthwash. Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out, is sometimes suggested for oral health. In addition, avoiding tobacco and maintaining a healthy diet are important factors in supporting gum health.

If you already have gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, following these steps could stop it from progressing into periodontitis – irreparable damage that erodes teeth and bones – though prevention of gum disease remains an excellent goal – heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are all linked to gum disease.

Age, smoking, and health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and low immunity increase your risk for gum disease. Treatment options for gum disease may include root planing and scaling surgery to remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets and antibiotics or bone and tissue graft surgery to foster new growth where needed.

Detecting Gum Disease

Early treatment is the key to protecting teeth affected by gum disease and mitigating its associated health risks, including heart disease and diabetes.

If your teeth appear loose or your gums become red and swollen, seek medical attention immediately. A dentist or dental hygienist may use a periodontal probe to measure pocket depth around each of your teeth and take dental X-rays if bone loss occurs.

Your dentist or periodontist may recommend oral antibiotics to combat infection and decrease inflammation in your gum tissue. They may also suggest an antimicrobial mouth rinse (Peridex/PerioChip) with chlorhexidine antibiotic to be released into deep gum pockets to control bacteria growth.

Treating Gum Disease

If gum disease is detected early, your dentist or hygienist may remove bacteria and hardened plaque from teeth and around the gum line to reduce inflammation and allow bone and tissue that supports teeth to heal more quickly. Doing this also prevents periodontitis from progressing into periodontitis, progressively destroying these supporting structures, potentially leading to bone loss over time and eventually losing teeth.

In addition to brushing and flossing, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy can also help lower inflammation in the mouth. Diets low in sugar may also reduce bacteria that lead to gum disease.

Your dentist may recommend options like topical antiseptics, antibiotic gels, or gum care tools to clean deeper pockets. In some cases, procedures such as flap surgery, where the gum is folded back to remove plaque and tartar, may be considered. Oral antibiotics or, in more advanced cases, mouthwashes or pills with antibiotics might also be suggested to help manage infection and inflammation.

Managing Gum Disease

Though gum disease cannot be completely cured, it can still be managed. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash will help reduce plaque. In addition, some people use home treatments like applying diluted hydrogen peroxide to the gums, which may help reduce bacteria and inflammation.

Scaling and root planing, a form of deep cleaning designed to eliminate hardened plaque and tartar deposits beneath your gum line, are among the many treatments dental hygienists provide for routine periodontal cleanings to keep oral health at optimum levels.

If your gum disease has advanced to more advanced stages, oral surgery may be required to restore and preserve both teeth and gums. Flap surgery and tissue grafts can rebuild lost gum structure caused by gum disease, while bone grafts stimulate new bone growth to support your teeth. Other surgical procedures aim at controlling infection or eliminating bacteria causing inflammation; medications like antiseptic mouth rinses or antibiotic gel can be applied directly onto gum pockets or given via pill form for this purpose.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified dentist or healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options specific to your condition. The effectiveness of treatments, including home remedies, may vary for each individual.

Published by Zane L.