Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a common oral problem that affects many adults. It can be a mild inflammation of the gums, or it can be a serious disease that damages the tissues and bone that support the teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, or NIDCR. Some adults lose teeth from advanced or untreated gum disease. Treating gum disease begins in the dentist's office where deep cleaning called scaling and root planing is done. Home treatment is only recommended for early periodontal disease or as a preventative measure.
Step 1
Visit the dentist every six months to monitor periodontal disease and to identify it in the earliest stages. A dentist checks the pockets in the gums to recognize gingivitis and other early indicators of gum disease.
Step 2
Complete the recommended dental treatments including scaling and root planing, oral antibiotics, flap surgery to tighten deep gum pockets with sutures or other procedures.
Step 3
Continue taking any prescribed oral antibiotics as directed. More commonly a dentist will apply a gel or other form of topical antimicrobial product to kill the bacteria causing periodontal disease.
Step 4
Brush the teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and soft bristle brush after every meal. Focus on the gums where they meet the teeth for several strokes during cleaning. Brush the teeth for at least three to five minutes each time.
Step 5
Floss between every tooth at least once per day using dental floss.
Step 6
Rinse the mouth with a plaque-fighting mouth wash that has been recommended by your dentist. Typically this will be one that does not contain alcohol as the primary ingredient as alcohol can irritate the gums. Instead, the mouth wash may be marked as an antiseptic.
Tips and Warnings
- Use an interdental cleaner, also called a dental pick, to clean between the teeth states MayoClinic.com. This tool is especially effective when there are minimal spaces between the teeth that make it more difficult to floss or retrieve plaque and food.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns individuals to seek dental treatment for returning bad breath, gum swelling, tender gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth or any other oral discomfort.
Things You'll Need
- Antibiotics, if prescribed
- Soft bristle toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouth rinse
