How Do I Cure Gum Disease?
Gum Disease
A common oral health issue that impacts millions of adults each year is gum disease. Gum disease is caused by an infection in the gums. The infection is the result of plaque and tartar, which slowly accumulate over time. In the initial stage of gum disease or gingivitis, the gums are often red, swollen, and tender. The progression of the disease evolves into periodontitis. During this stage of advanced gum disease, the consequences are serious issues and may include receding gums, bone loss, and even the loss of teeth.
Symptoms
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms commonly associated with gum disease. This may include bleeding gums, which may be triggered by routine brushing and flossing. The gum tissue may also be red, tender, or swollen. During the early stages, the symptoms are often not noticeable and can be easy to dismiss.
Diagnosis
Patients will receive an examination and professional cleaning during routine dental visits. The dentist has a special tool called a periodontal probe, which is used to measure the periodontal pockets, which aids in determining if a patient has gum disease. The tool measures the pockets between the teeth and gums. Pockets greater than 3 millimeters indicate the presence of gum disease. When patients are diagnosed with gum disease in the early stage, it is beneficial in effectively treating the issue and preventing further damage to the teeth and gums, and jawbone.
Curing Gum Disease
After a patient is diagnosed with gum disease, they often want to know the cure for the issue. After meeting with the dental professional, the team will review options for treatment. Early gum disease can often be treated with improved oral hygiene and a professional cleaning. In cases which are more advanced, the patient may require scaling and root planing, where plaque and tartar are removed from the roots and below the gum line.
Things such as dental bridges, crowns, and misalignment can make it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene at home. In some cases, patients need orthodontic work or additional treatment in order to effectively clean the teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.
Gum Disease Prevention
The best way to cure gum disease is to prevent it in the first place. A professional cleaning is effective in removing harmful plaque and tartar. Patients must also be diligent in maintaining good oral hygiene with at least twice daily brushing and flossing each day. Patients must also practice good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease from returning. In some cases, additional education is helpful to ensure patients are knowledgeable of how to practice good oral hygiene.
Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene at home is critical for good oral health. This includes using gentle pressure and a soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning the teeth. Patients should brush their teeth for at least two minutes each time to ensure the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. It can be tempting to quickly rush through brushing, but patients risk missing certain teeth or hard-to-reach areas. Another important element of properly cleaning the teeth is to replace the toothbrush or head of an electric toothbrush on a regular basis.
If you notice any signs of gum disease, call the office right away for an appointment. When the issue is detected early, it helps to ensure that gum disease is treated and cured. This is vital in the prevention of long-term consequences.