Gum Disease Management

Gum disease is a frequent occurrence, particularly in seniors and people who have other health issues. As we are discovering, dental health and general health are more intricately connected than we realized.

So, what are some of the things a person who has gum disease or who wants to prevent gum disease in the future do to help curb gum disease? Today, we’re going to talk about ways a patient can help fight gingivitis.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Some of the signs of gum disease are swollen gums, redness, receding of gums, sensitivity when eating, bleeding while brushing or flossing teeth, and later, loose teeth. A patient may experience a bad taste in their mouth at times, as well.

Tools

Good gum care starts with the right tools! A good brush (soft, unless your dentist tells you otherwise), and fluoride toothbrush. Brush twice a day at the very least, and after meals if possible. Take your time! If you can’t brush, try to at least rinse out your mouth, especially after eating sugary foods, because these contribute to plaque, which starts gum disease.

Floss daily, being gentle, starting at the base of each tooth and working the floss up and around each tooth. FLoss meticulously around each tooth, paying particular attention to problem areas.

If your dentist tells you a water irrigator, special mouthwash, picks, or an electric toothbrush would be helpful, by all means, use them.

Professional care

Visiting your dentist as often as recommended is a good step in managing gum disease. The dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, a procedure which is sometimes helpful in treating gum disease. With proper dental care and habits, scaling and root planing can sometimes prevent the need for surgical intervention.

Avoidance

Avoiding habits which exacerbate gum disease can go a long way towards prevention and the spread of the disease. One big factor which contributes to gum disease is smoking. Others include alcoholism, drug use, and, of course, poor oral hygiene.

Make a plan

One of the things which is helpful with gum disease is a patient who is willing to spend the time doing the things they need to do to prevent gum disease from becoming worse. Seeing a dentist and make a plan to manage gum disease early will go a long way. Gingivitis can be controlled in this manner. Gum disease may always be an issue for some patients; however, by creating a dental care plan with their dentist and sticking to it, they may be able to keep their teeth and enjoy the other health benefits which come with excellent dental care.

If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call our office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!