Gum Disease Treatment Tips To Keep You Smiling
When we look at beautiful smiles, healthy gums send out a message of health and youth. They’re a healthy light pink color, are firm, without swelling, and they snuggly hug your teeth. This can usually be achieved by following an oral regimen and using gum disease treatment techniques if necessary.
But when oral home care and regular visits to our office are lacking, gum disease can develop. The top seven reasons are listed a bit further down the page. But first, let’s take a look at the two kinds of gum disease…
Gingivitis
- Gingiva means gums and “itis” means inflammation = gingivitis
- gum surfaces can appear puffy and deep pink or red
- sometimes, gums bleed when you brush or floss – even a little bit means gingivitis is present
- gingivitis in not usually painful
- it can cause persistent bad taste in your mouth and relentless bad breath
- caused by an accumulation of plaque bacteria – a naturally occurring sticky film on the teeth and at the gumline
- it is not destructive, but can lead to a more severe type of gum disease that is
- can be reversed with thorough home care plus regular professional dental hygiene cleanings at our practice – you should see changes within a few to a couple of weeks … but stay vigilant as gingivitis can return if attention to homecare begins to slacken
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- brush twice a day minimum with a toothbrush with soft bristles and applying light pressure – don’t scrub
- floss once a day minimum
- don’t forget to clean your tongue with your brush or with a tongue scraper which can be more effective than brushing – ask us for advice next time you’re in
- replace your brush every 3 months or when the bristles are freyed
- pay close attention to your diet to ensure well-rounded nutrients including a balanced diet that covers off the recommended daily dose of vitamins and nutrients