Effective Techniques for Fighting Gum Disease

October 1, 2019

Gum Disease and Its Stages

Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues faced by people across the globe. There can be many reasons for gum disease but it is important to get it diagnosed at an early stage so that it can be treated before it escalates further. Gum disease can be cured as well as reversed in its initial stage known as gingivitis but it can’t be reversed once it reaches its advanced stage known as Periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is a severe level of gum infection and it may need serious intervention for preventing tooth loss due to infection. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums and it is an indication that additional care is required for preventing it from becoming worse. It is relatively easy to treat and control.

On the other hand, periodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the tissues supporting the teeth. In this stage, the gum tissues get inflamed and develop pockets where bacteria accumulate. It can further lead to gum recession. When the infection spreads, the gum tissues and bone may get damaged and teeth may become loose, says the Encinitas dentist.

Thus, it is important to get gum disease diagnosed at an early stage. Redness, swelling, irritation in gums and bleeding while brushing, are some of the common signs of gum disease. If you notice them, it is time to see the dentist in Encinitas for formal diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Let’s Explore Some Effective Tips for Preventing Gum Disease:

How To Treat Periodontal Disease?

According to the dentist near 92024, if the gum disease is diagnosed at an early stage, the treatment can be quite simple like getting the teeth professionally cleaned at frequent intervals. However, if the gum disease advances to periodontitis, the treatment can become complicated. The treatment may require the following procedures:

• Root planing and scaling is the deep cleaning process which removes plaque and tartar under the gum line. The process may be performed under local anesthetic.
• Gum surgery is the next treatment option for repairing the damaged gums. The infected tissues are removed and the area below the gum line is cleaned for removing the bacterial infection. The tooth roots are scaled and gum grafting may be performed if the pockets are greater than 5 millimeters.
• The regenerative procedures are used for reversing bone and tissue damage.

Effective Ways to Prevent Gum Disease from Happening

• Flossing is the Key

While most people brush their teeth once or twice a day, many of them ignore flossing. It is important to understand the importance of flossing when it comes to keeping bacteria and plaque at bay from the prevention of gum disease. You can floss in the morning or night after brushing.

• Regular Dental Cleanings

It is important to see the dentist for regular examination and cleaning as your gum disease can get diagnosed at an early stage during these appointments. This is the correct way of getting symptoms treated before they escalate further. Professional cleaning helps in removing tartar and plaque that doesn’t come out during brushing and flossing at home. Gum disease in an early stage can be reversed with the help of brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning.

• Quit Smoking

Another reason for smokers to quit is to prevent gum disease. Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder to fight gum infection. Also, smoking makes it difficult for the gums to heal once they get damaged.

• Brushing Twice a Day

We can’t emphasize more on how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day. Everyone brushes their teeth in the morning but it is equally important to brush them at night before sleep. The bacteria attack in your mouth at night leads to the formation of plaque which leads to decay and infection in the long run. Also, change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

• Using Fluoride Toothpaste

It is important to choose the right toothpaste as well. Pick fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth and gums stronger and healthier. Apart from fluoride content, the toothpaste should have an Americal Dental Association seal of acceptance. You can choose any flavor of your choice as it doesn’t matter.

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