What can I do to manage my gum disease?
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American Dental Association answered:The best way to manage gum disease is to catch it early. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth.
The treatment methods for managing gum disease depend on how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Always remember to brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
The best way to manage gum disease is to catch it early. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can... More -
Healthwise answered:If your gums are mildly swollen and red, flossing every day and brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime can help reverse these symptoms of gum disease. For more information on how to care for your teeth, see:
Dental Care: Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth
The following steps can also help to reverse or prevent gum disease:
- Use a tartar-control toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash, such as Listerine or an antiplaque mouthwash.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals if you are unable to brush your teeth.
- Carefully use a toothpick after meals if you are unable to brush your teeth right away.
If you smoke or use spit tobacco, the best thing you can do for yourself is to quit. Tobacco decreases your ability to fight infection and delays healing. Tobacco users are more likely than nonsmokers to have serious gum disease that leads to tooth loss and that doesn't respond as well to treatment. 5 Quitting is difficult. But many people find success through a combination of medicine, a stop-smoking program and counseling. For more information on how to quit, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
If your gums are mildly swollen and red, flossing every day and brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime can help reverse these symptoms of gum disease. For more information on how to care for your teeth, see: Dental Care: Brushing... More
