How to Effectively Manage Gum Disease

The mouth is quite interesting. Along with gum disease, cavities, damaged teeth and decayed bone are other things that patients experience. For that reason, it is essential for you to see a dentist as soon as possible. Of the different things that arise, gum disease is perhaps one of the biggest concerns.

Gum disease — the potential to worsen

Gum disease poses a different kind of concern. Generally, this infection starts as a small issue. If not treated, it can quickly turn into something big. The reason is that once this infection sets in, it affects not just the gums but also the teeth and bone. Therefore, patients should learn the risk factors of developing gum disease and see their dentist regularly.

Proper management

The most effective way of managing gum disease involves seeing a dentist regularly. While at the dental clinic, they will look at the entire mouth to identify any issues. That visit also entails having teeth cleaned to eliminate any tartar or plaque buildup. For gum disease, this is essential. The problem is that bacteria settles inside of plaque, which starts the downward spiral.

Unfortunately, a lot of people do not like going to the dentist. Even so, this is the most effective way of protecting permanent teeth and enjoying a beautiful smile. People need to remember that visits are typically pain-free. Even having a cavity filled only requires a quick injection for numbing purposes.

At-home management

People should always make visits to the dentist a priority. Along with that, there are things they can do at home to prevent and possibly treat gum disease. It starts by knowing what to look for. If someone develops bad breath or swollen and red gums, there is a good chance of them having gum disease. If caught early, there could be a way to bring the infection under control.

For starters, it is essential to brush twice, preferably three times a day. The one habit that everyone should have is to brush after every meal. The same goes for flossing. This simple procedure makes it possible to remove tiny particles of food from in between teeth. Without doing that, an individual could eventually face the issue of having gum disease.

For even better cleaning, a person might consider buying some type of waterpik device. Using pressurized water, this device targets even the hardest to reach areas. It also works great on the most stubborn particles. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride is also important. Again, this helps wash out tiny particles. At the same time, the fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth.

The thing to remember is that the prevention of and fight against gum disease is a joint effort. That means that both the patient and dental professional need to agree on a plan. The individual can do things at home to prevent gum disease while the dentist can treat the infection. Simply doing one or the other is not highly effective.

Create a good dental plan

If needed, you can talk to your dentist about putting together a plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy. As someone who understands gum disease, it is imperative to follow any recommendations offered. You do the things you can at home and then visit your dentist regularly. Why deal with a painful issue when with proper management, you can avoid it.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

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