4 Tips To Beat Gum Disease
Your dentist is there to help you take care of your whole mouth, which includes your teeth as well as your gums. Proper gum health can keep your teeth, soft tissue, and bones healthy. Unfortunately, gingivitis and periodontitis are diseases that can affect your gums if you aren't careful. Here are four tips to help you beat gum disease:
1. Get a diagnosis
There are symptoms of gum disease that you can notice at home. If your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth, or if they're swollen and painful to the touch, that's a sign of gum disease. Discoloration or visible pus leaking from your gums can also be indicators. If you notice any of these issues, it's crucial that you take them seriously. Make an appointment with your dentist to get evaluated as soon as possible. They can test for gum erosion and let you know if you have unhealthy gums.
2. Use mouthwash
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important, but if you're not already using a mouthwash, you should start immediately. Mouthwash can clear away particles of food and reduce plaque buildup, which can help alleviate your symptoms. If possible, use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities. According to Colgate, prescription strength mouthwash is available as well. This mouthwash is antimicrobial and will help to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Your dentist can offer you a prescription if you ask.
3. Have your teeth scaled regularly
Tooth scaling is a part of routine dental cleaning, and you should have it done every six months at your checkup. A dental hygienist will use a metal tool to scrape the plaque from your teeth. If your gum disease is advanced, your dentist may recommend that you come in for professional cleanings every four months instead.
4. Don't be afraid to try root planing
In cases of severe periodontitis, gum disease can affect the roots of your teeth. Left untreated, your teeth may become loose and fall out, and you may even experience bone density loss. If you have this kind of periodontitis, your dentist will recommend root planing. During this treatment, your dentist will first numb your mouth with local anesthetic. Then they'll use special tools to clean beneath your gum line, removing bacteria from around the roots of your teeth. This procedure may take two visits, and each visit will take around 90 minutes.