Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a very serious inflammation of the gum tissue that can lead to infection and even tooth loss. However, in its earliest stage, called gingivitis, gum disease causes little to no discomfort; in fact, its most common symptoms are gums that bleed a little while brushing and persistent bad breath. Because of the apparent inconsequence of these symptoms, many people want to try treating gum disease at home rather than pursuing professional treatment with a family dentist. Some mild forms of gum disease can be treated at home and all gum health maintenance relies on good dental hygiene at home, but treatment should always start with your dentist.
Always Talk to Your Dentist First!
We’re going to be frank: chances are, you’re not a dentist. Therefore, you don’t have the training and experience to accurately diagnose gum disease (no matter what the results of a few internet articles or quizzes may reveal!). If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, if you have bad breath that lingers even after you brush or use breath mints, or if your teeth feel loose in their sockets, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.
Once she has provided you with a diagnosis, she can also recommend a treatment plan that will address your specific condition. Clinical treatments for gum disease usually involve a deep cleaning (a type of dental cleaning that goes below the gum line), although antibiotic therapy might be in order for some patients.
Home Treatments for Gum Disease
Once you have received a professional diagnosis, you can talk to your dentist about complementing your clinical treatment at home. Chances are, you developed gum disease because you haven’t exactly been taking great care of your teeth at home. The best homecare technique for managing gum disease is practicing better, more consistent dental hygiene. All adults and children should brush their teeth after meals, or at least two times per day, according to the American Dental Association. You should brush for at least two minutes every time you brush and you should always use an ADA-approved toothpaste.
