How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease?

How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease? There is nothing like a welcoming and beautiful smile. It is one of the best ways to greet someone in Singapore. This action promotes positivity and good vibes. But this priceless gesture can be in jeopardy due to Gum Disease. When a person has this health condition, they tend to lose their teeth.

It also causes bad breath, gum ache, bleeding after toothbrushing, and unsightly spacing between teeth. It results in a drop in self-confidence and socialization. Both children and adults are at risk. This article will focus on this problem and how to prevent and treat gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

A mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is the inflammation in the tissues surrounding the teeth. It is a bacterial infection around the tooth base called dental plaque. It looks like a sticky white film that forms on the teeth and contains a lot of bacteria. It can produce toxins that will harm the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding, soreness, receding gums, and bad breath. This stage is reversible with proper oral hygiene.

Severe gum disease is known as Periodontitis. This infection damages the bone and soft tissues supporting the teeth. The gums feel sore, bone loss occurs, pus is present, and bad breath becomes permanent. Biting and chewing are painful and uncomfortable. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loosening and permanent loss. This stage requires treatment from dentists.

How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease?

Preserve your smile and feel confident always by practicing these easy-to-do tips.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Parents always remind kids to brush their teeth after meals. This advice is also applicable to adults. Food contains starch and sugar that can readily react with the bacteria inside the mouth. It can lead to plaque formation. Brushing at least twice a day after a heavy meal reduces this risk. It is the first step in preventing gum problems.

2. Know the Perfect Time to Brush

Eating can soften the protective coating of the teeth called enamel. It is best to wait for 30 minutes after every meal before brushing. It is enough time for the enamel to recover and remineralize. It will preserve the beauty of your teeth and smiles.

3. Remove Plaque between Teeth

Plaque also occurs in between the teeth. Since it is hard to reach with routine toothbrushing, dental floss is advisable. The direction of flossing must be up and down, then side to side. At least do this once a day. It is an effective way to prevent gingivitis.

4. Gargle with Mouth Wash or Salted Water

Therapeutic mouthwash contains fluoride and antibacterial properties that can prevent dental plaque. But if you have sensitive gums, salted water is a good alternative. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a small glass of water. Salt draws out the bacteria from inflamed tissues and reduces the risks of infections.

5. Scrub off Tartar with Home Remedies

Tartar is hardened dental plaque. Baking soda is an abrasive home remedy to scrub off some of it. Baking soda also makes the oral pH more alkaline. It will neutralize the acid from bacteria leading to stronger teeth and bones. However, daily application damages the enamel. An alternating schedule is more recommendable.

6. Schedule a Dental Appointment

Good oral hygiene is helpful, but you still need to schedule regular visits to the dentist. Dental plaque can still build up and result in tartar formation. The locations include the back of the front teeth, along the gum line, or between gaps. Dentists have the skills to remove this hardened dental plaque. A routine check-up can prevent loosening between the bone and tooth, resulting in permanent removal.

7. Quit Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking has many health risks, and it also includes oral care. It can reduce the ability of the gums to self-heal. As a result, it is more prone to infection and inflammation that can lead to the development of Periodontitis.

How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease? – Final Thoughts:

There are many ways to prevent gum disease. Doing routine self-care like toothbrushing, flossing, gargling with mouthwash or salted water, and baking soda scrubbing is helpful. Quitting smoking is also a way to protect the gums and bones. Pairing it with regular dental check-ups is a sure way to maintain good oral health. As a result, you can preserve your beautiful smile and speak confidently with a fresh breath every day.