Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition caused by a buildup of dental plaque in Oshawa.
Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm that continually forms over teeth. It contains harmful bacteria. If you don’t remove dental plaque thoroughly and regularly by brushing and flossing, it soon hardens into calculus or tartar.
The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause infection and inflammation in your gums. At this stage, it is called gingivitis in Whitby. However, gum disease can progress without treatment into periodontitis, a much more serious condition.
Periodontitis can destroy your gums and the bone around them. It is a major cause of tooth loss in Ajax. If significantly advanced, it can negatively impact overall health.
How to Tell If You Have Gum Disease
One major sign of gum disease is noticing blood on your toothbrush or in the bathroom sink. It’s not normal for healthy, strong gums to bleed. Other signs include:
- Bad breath.
- Red, swollen gums.
- An unpleasant taste.
- Loose teeth.
What to Do If You Think You Have Gum Disease
If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t delay. Book an appointment to see a dentist at Margolian Dentistry. We can quickly diagnose this condition, clean your teeth professionally, remove harmful plaque and tartar, and provide other treatment if needed.
Any treatment needed will depend on the degree of infection and inflammation. For example, we may need to deep clean your gums, a procedure used to treat more extensive gum infections. Another possible option might be laser gum therapy, where the laser energy can help sterilize your gums after they have been cleaned, helping you fight the infection more effectively.
Although good oral care at home is essential, getting professional dental care for gum disease is vital.
Caring for Your Gums at Home
Home remedies to help restore gum health include the following.
Using the Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
It’s essential to pay attention to your oral care routine at home. Our friendly hygiene team can advise you on the proper brushing and flossing techniques, sharing simple tips and tricks to ensure these tasks are easier and more effective.
It’s important to stick to a good routine of brushing your teeth at least twice daily, for two minutes each time, to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces.
Daily flossing should be a nonnegotiable part of your routine because your toothbrush cannot clean between your teeth, where harmful bacteria like to hide. We can show you the right way to floss, or if this is too tricky, we can discuss other tools to use, such as water flossers or interdental brushes.
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater mouth rinse is cheap and effective, and a very natural remedy. The salt is naturally antiseptic and helps draw out infection, reduce inflammation, and heal gums.
You only need to dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. After swishing it around your mouth for 30 seconds, spit it out. You can safely use a warm saltwater mouth rinse several times a day.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Another option is to use an antibacterial mouthwash. If you are interested in this option, ask us which brand to use. Choosing an alcohol-free brand with useful active ingredients is important to help fight harmful bacteria.
Maintaining Healthy Gums
Once you have conquered gum disease, you must continue to follow an excellent oral care routine. This should include a good daily routine, regular dental checkups, and hygiene appointments. It’s a simple, quick routine that will help you maintain strong gums in the pink of health.
