How Do I Cure Gum Disease?
If you noticed recently that your gums are sensitive and inflamed, it may be a sign that you have developed gum disease. Gum disease is the most common oral health problem in the United States. Although not deadly, if gum disease is left untreated, it can slowly progress over time and lead to more serious conditions, including tooth loss and heart disease. If you think you may have gum disease, you should schedule a visit with your provider to diagnose the problem and discuss treatment options. Below is more information for you on how to diagnose and treat gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
When daily oral hygiene is neglected, bacteria are allowed to build up along the gum line in a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque and hardened plaque, called tartar, irritate and infect the gums over time. As the gums become irritated, they pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root and causing pockets to form. Eventually, advanced gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out. Advanced gum disease cannot only lead to bone loss, but also to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
How Do I Diagnose and Cure Gum Disease?
If you think you may have gum disease, it’s important to schedule a visit to see your dental provider as soon as possible. Your provider will perform an evaluation, examining the teeth for tartar and for the presence of pockets. If your provider diagnoses you with gum disease, they will start to treat it by completing a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque from along and under your gum line. Many cases of gum disease can be treated with this initial cleaning and more focused daily oral hygiene at home. If the plaque has hardened and is below the gum line, your gum disease may be more advanced and require a more advanced cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.
How to Fight Gum Disease at Home
Gum disease can be prevented and reversed with good hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing. Here are some tips to improve your daily hygiene practice:
Daily brushing techniques:
- Use a small soft-bristle toothbrush and make sure to reach the back molars.
- Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line.
- Brush each tooth with gentle, short, back-and-forth strokes.
Removing plaque doesn't take force, but it does take time. It’s important to make sure you get both the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Daily flossing techniques:
Plaque and bacteria also build up in between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Dental floss is a key tool to remove this hard-to-reach plaque.
- Flossing before bed as a part of your nightly routine helps to remove plaque and food that has built up during daytime meals.
- Make sure you are using a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid moving bacteria from one tooth to another.
- Gently slide the floss between each tooth and the front and back of the tooth.
If you aren’t sure if your technique is correct, have a conversation with your provider and don’t be afraid to ask questions.