Recent studies indicate that over 64 million people in the U.S. have gum disease. That’s an alarming statistic considering the fact that gum disease is an entirely preventable and treatable condition. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue, usually caused by a buildup of plaque under the gum line. Symptoms include bleeding gums, red and/or swollen gums, sore or tender gums, gums that start to pull away from teeth and/or recede, persistent bad breath, and – in the latter stages — loose teeth.
Even if you have a genetic predisposition toward forming gum disease, you can still avoid developing it by practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist for regular professional exams and cleanings. But if you have already developed periodontal disease, you’ll have to have the condition treated before you can think about ways to prevent it from recurring in the future. In extreme cases, surgery may be required. But for most people with periodontal disease, there are nonsurgical methods that effectively treat and eliminate it.
- Deep cleaning: If your gum disease is caught in the very early stages, it may only require a deep cleaning at your dental office along with a vigorous oral hygiene routine at home to resolve the issue. Deep cleaning begins with scaling, a process that involves removal of plaque on the surface of each tooth and below the gum line. After the scaling process, root planing smoothes the surfaces of the teeth roots and makes it harder for plaque to develop there in the future.
- Antibiotics: If your periodontal disease has progressed, it may be hard for your dental provider to reach all the areas inside the mouth where bacteria has accumulated. In these instances, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic paste or rinse to help get rid of the hard-to-reach bacteria. Typically, these antibiotic treatments are recommended only for a short period of time, after which the patient can return to a regular oral hygiene routine at home.
When it comes to periodontal disease, the best treatment is not to develop the condition in the first place. Preventing gum disease is really quite simple. Just brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you notice that your gums bleed when you floss or brush, you may want to floss more often than once a day, such as after each time you brush. You might also consider using an anti-gingivitis mouthwash. Talk to your dentist for more information about preventing gum disease.
