Treatment FAQ

what is the best gum disease treatment

by Hubert Morissette III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or insertion of gels containing antibiotics in the space between your teeth and gums or into pockets after deep cleaning.Feb 14, 2020

Self-care

Some examples are: Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery. During this procedure the gums are lifted back and the tartar is removed. In some... Bone grafts. This procedure involves using fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone... Soft tissue grafts. This procedure ...

Nutrition

May 17, 2017 · If your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, the gold standard treatment is a professional cleaning called scaling and root planing.

What is the best natural cure for gum disease?

Nonsurgical periodontal disease treatments 5. Scaling and root planing—Tartar and bacteria are removed from your teeth and under your gums using instruments, a laser or an ultrasonic device. Antibiotics—Topical antibiotics, such as antibiotic gels or mouth rinses, are used to control bacterial infection. Surgical periodontal disease treatments 6

How to treat gum disease with homemade remedies?

Your first step in periodontal disease treatment is a conservative, non-surgical approach called scaling and root planing (SRP). A dentist or dental hygienist provides this treatment by scraping and removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth and root surfaces with instruments designed for this purpose.

How to cure gum disease without a dentist?

Feb 14, 2020 · If you have advanced periodontitis, treatment may require dental surgery, such as: Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). Your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum... Soft tissue grafts. When you lose gum tissue, your gumline recedes. You may need to have some of ...

What are the best infected gums treatments?

It is called triclosan and contains fluoride and an antibiotic (but not at a level that requires a prescription) that should reduce gingivitis. You can also use ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to alleviate pain and swelling.

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My number one recommendation for at home treatment of gum disease is a water flosser! Water flossers have so many great benefits for everyone, not just those with gum disease. They shoot a powerful stream of water out into all of the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. It’s kind of like a pressure washer for your teeth.

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What is the best medicine for gum disease?

Drugs Used to Treat Gum Disease

Chlorhexidine (marketed as the prescription-only brands Peridex, PerioChip, PerioGard, and by numerous other over-the-counter trade names) is an antimicrobial used to control plaque and gingivitis in the mouth or in periodontal pockets.
Oct 31, 2021

How can I get rid of gum disease permanently?

Oral hygiene practices
  1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective.
  3. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque.
  4. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning.
  5. Don't smoke or chew tobacco.

Can I heal gum disease?

A person can be free of gum disease with an aggressive approach. The dentist can also employ methods such as scaling and root planing to help the patient heal. These processes are ways of deep-cleaning the gumline and eliminating bacteria. Surgical procedures are also available to halt the disease.

How long does gum disease take to heal?

But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare. Keep in mind that there are many, many factors that can change the timeline.Oct 11, 2020

What are the 4 stages of periodontal disease?

The four stages of periodontal disease
  • Stage 1: Gingivitis. ...
  • Stage 2: Slight Periodontal Disease. ...
  • Stage 3: Moderate Periodontal Disease. ...
  • Stage 4: Advanced Periodontal Disease. ...
  • What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Feb 22, 2022

Is gum disease permanent?

So how do I cure gum disease? Gum disease can be cured. Essentially, it's all about removing bacteria from your mouth and allowing the gums to heal back to a healthy state. If you want to get rid of gum disease, the first step is to get the right education so that you know how to clean your teeth effectively at home.Jan 20, 2020

What is the fastest way to cure gingivitis?

How to Cure Gingivitis
  1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush around each tooth. ...
  2. Floss Your Teeth Once a Day. Plaque loves to hide in between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. ...
  3. Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse. ...
  4. Don't Skip Dental Appointments. ...
  5. Avoid Sugary Foods and Beverages.
Jul 2, 2020

How is gum disease treated?

Gum (periodontal) diseases are treated in a variety of ways depending on the stage of disease, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health. After a thorough periodontal evaluation, recommendations for treatment range from non-surgical therapies to surgical procedures.

What is the best toothpaste for gum disease?

Other antibiotics, including doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline are also used to treat gum disease. In addition, nonprescription toothpaste called triclosan is often recommended. This toothpaste contains fluoride and an antibiotic, which reduce plaque and gingivitis.

What is flap surgery?

Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery: During this procedure, the gums are lifted back and tartar is removed. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed. This limits the areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth.

What is grafted tissue?

Grafted tissue, most often taken from the roof of the mouth, is then stitched in place. Guided tissue regeneration: Performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, this procedure stimulates bone and gum tissue growth.

What is guided tissue regeneration?

Guided tissue regeneration: Performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, this procedure stimulates bone and gum tissue growth. Done in combination with flap surgery, a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue.

Why is scaling and root planing necessary?

In some patients, the non-surgical procedure of scaling and root planing is all that is needed to treat gum diseases. Surgery is needed when the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical options.

Is scaling and root planing a non-surgical procedure?

In some patients, the non-surgical procedure of scaling and root planing is all that is needed to treat gum diseases. Surgery is needed when the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical options. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What is the best mouthwash for gum inflammation?

A mouthwash containing a small amount of lemongrass oil can lower bacterial plaque levels. A wash with 0.25% lemongrass oil can reduce plaque better than chlorhexidine gluconate, a proven anti-bacterial rinse used to treat gum inflammation.³

Does green tea help with gum disease?

Green tea contains high amounts of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Green tea can help counteract the immune system’s inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth. This reduced inflammation helps reduce damage to the gums and supporting jawbone.

Why do my gums bleed?

Bleeding from any part of your body suggests an injury, and bleeding gums aren’t an exception. Swollen, inflamed gums are a sign that bacteria are infecting your gums. To prevent further damage to your gums, teeth and jaw, find out what home remedies you can use to help prevent gum disease until you can see a dentist.

What does it mean when your teeth are loose?

Loose teeth and swellings often indicate advanced gum disease. In some cases, over 80% of the bone may be destroyed before teeth start to move.

How to stop bleeding gums?

But if you’re just starting to notice bleeding without any pain or looseness, home remedies can help control your gum disease. 1. Green tea. Green tea contains high amounts of antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

Is green tea good for you?

Drinking green tea may help overall health, and it’s an alternative to coffee that many people enjoy. Consider adding a couple of servings every day to your diet but be careful if you’re sensitive to caffeine. A cup of green tea contains about 28 mg of caffeine, compared to 96 mg in a cup of coffee.¹. 2.

What is the best way to treat a cut?

Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic, is often helpful in the prevention of skin infections from minor cuts and scrapes. Swishing with hydrogen peroxide may also help relieve minor mouth irritations and kill bacteria that could lead to gum disease.

What is the gold standard treatment for periodontitis?

If your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, the gold standard treatment is a professional cleaning called scaling and root planing. Your dentist first scrapes away plaque and tartar below the gum line, then smooths the surface of tooth roots to get rid of pits and rough spots that bacteria easily cling to.

What causes gum disease?

More than half of men and a third of women over age 30 have some degree of gum disease. Everyone is susceptible because even healthy mouths teem with the bacteria that can cause gum disease. The bacteria, along with food residue, build up in a sticky, colorless film called plaque that can trigger inflammation and infection. Mild inflammation (gingivitis) can usually be corrected with good oral hygiene. But when plaque is not removed, the bacteria can make gums recede or pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets that can destroy bone and tissue—a condition called periodontitis. (Here are 7 things you need to know about your teeth as you age .)

What foods can cause periodontitis?

Eating foods high in antioxidant nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, such as apples and sweet potatoes, can make periodontitis less severe in nonsmokers. (Smoking increases the risk of gum disease.) Consuming calcium-rich foods, such as milk and yogurt, is associated with lower rates of periodontal disease. ( Dentists never eat these 25 foods .)

Does flossing help with gingivitis?

Some research has suggested that daily flossing provides little protection against gingivitis, but dentists defend the practice, as flossing reaches plaque where brushing can't. "Floss should form a C around the tooth so it goes down alongside the gum rather than slicing across it," says Sally Cram, a periodontist in Washington, DC.

How to get rid of plaque on tongue?

Swishing with an antimicro bial rinse can prevent plaque buildup and reduce gingivitis. But you still need to brush and floss to get results. "Brush, floss, and scrape your tongue first to reduce the volume of plaque," Nares says. "That way, when you hit what remains with the rinse, it will be more effective.".

What is the procedure to remove a pocket in your gum?

If bacteria have formed infected pockets between gums and teeth, your dentist or periodontist can perform pocket reduction surgery, which involves making small incisions in the gum, pulling the gum tissue back to expose roots for more effective scaling and root planing, and then suturing the gums back into place.

Can a tooth be saved with a titanium implant?

When treatment has failed and localized gum disease has caused so much damage that a tooth can't be saved, it can be replaced with an implant—a metal (usually titanium) insert that your periodontist or dentist screws into the jawbone in an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia.

What are the different types of periodontal disease?

There are different forms of periodontal disease, but the following are the most common: 1 Chronic gingivitis. A reversible, milder form of periodontal disease, marked by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums. There is no bone loss with gingivitis, and as noted, it is easily preventable! 2 Aggressive periodontitis. A rapid loss of gum attachment and bone destruction in a short period. 3 Chronic periodontitis. The most common form of periodontitis. It progresses slowly. 4 Necrotizing periodontal disease. An infection resulting from the death of gum tissue surrounding the tooth and connecting bone. Its common symptoms are a foul odor and painful bleeding gums.

How to treat periodontal disease?

Your first step in periodontal disease treatment is a conservative, non-surgical approach called scaling and root planing (S RP). A dentist or dental hygienist provides this treatment by scraping and removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth and root surfaces with instruments designed for this purpose. Then they smooth away any roughness on the roots to prevent bacteria from easily gathering again. This procedure can sometimes take more than one visit. The administration of a local anesthetic can help to avoid any discomfort. After this process, your gums will heal and reattach themselves to your teeth's healthy, clean surfaces. Within a few weeks, your dentist will test your healing and decide if further treatment is necessary.

What is the sign of gum disease?

Gingivitis to Periodontitis. A significant indicator of gum disease is inflammation, which is the body's way of shielding, guarding, and protecting itself from infection. Think of it as a blowfish puffing up to scare away predators!

What is the first stage of gum disease?

Gum disease is a sneaky, progressive disease. Here's why: the first stage, called gingivitis, occurs when bacterial plaque is not thoroughly removed from your teeth.

What happens if you don't treat gingivitis?

When you don't treat gingivitis, periodontitis may come into play. Toxins from this buildup of bacterial plaque affect your gum tissue and the bone and ligaments that support your teeth.

Why do teeth get loose?

Toxins from this buildup of bacterial plaque affect your gum tissue and the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. As the infection causes periodontitis to spread to the bone and supporting tissues, your teeth may become loose and need removal. But even advanced cases of periodontal disease don't have to progress to this point.

Can you reverse gingivitis?

While advanced gum disease may need more complex interventions, you have the power to reverse your gingivitis. It's reversible with daily brushing and flossing and regular professional dental care, as confirmed by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

Can you use antibiotics on your gums?

Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or insertion of gels containing antibiotics in the space between your teeth and gums or into pockets after deep cleaning. However, oral antibiotics may be necessary to completely eliminate infection-causing bacteria.

How to prevent periodontitis?

Try these measures to reduce or prevent periodontitis: Brush your teeth twice a day or, better yet, after every meal or snack. Use a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every three months. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar. Floss daily.

What is the goal of periodontitis treatment?

The goal of periodontitis treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding bone. You have the best chance for successful treatment when you also adopt a daily routine of good oral care, manage health conditions that may impact dental health and stop tobacco use.

What is the procedure for periodontitis?

If you have advanced periodontitis, treatment may require dental surgery, such as: Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). Your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing.

How to check for bleeding gums?

Examine your mouth to look for plaque and tartar buildup and check for easy bleeding. Measure the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and teeth by placing a dental probe beside your tooth beneath your gumline, usually at several sites throughout your mouth.

What is the best treatment for bacterial infection?

Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection.

What happens when you lose gum tissue?

When you lose gum tissue, your gumline recedes. You may need to have some of the damaged soft tissue reinforced. This is usually done by removing a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth (palate) or using tissue from another donor source and attaching it to the affected site.

Can you take antibiotics for gingivitis?

Once you can get in to see your dentist, they will be able to give you a prescription to aggressively treat your gingivitis. There are three main oral antibiotics prescribed by dentists to treat gingivitis. Each of them is topical, as oral antibiotics are generally not prescribed for gum disease.

What is the best toothpaste for gingivitis?

If you want something nonprescription (but not a “natural” remedy like those listed above) there is a toothpaste that is often recommended. It is called triclosan and contains fluoride and an antibiotic (but not at a level that requires a prescription) that should reduce gingivitis.

Is aggressive periodontitis a disease?

This is called aggressive periodontitis and can be a potentially deadly disease. But we aren’t talking about that, because we want to focus on your gums. First, you need to know what signs to look for to determine if you have gingivitis, then you can discuss the best course of treatment with your dentist.

Is gingivitis a serious disease?

That is not to say that gum disease isn’t a serious issue. If left untreated, a build-up of plaque, infected gums or damaged gum tissue can infect the surrounding teeth and will require treatment.

What is a tetracycline gel?

This is a tetracycline antibioticused to reduce bacteria. It usually comes in the form of a gel that can be squeezed into any gum pockets to reduce the size of the pocket and improve tooth-gum attachment.

What is the generic name for tetracycline?

Generic Name: Minocycline. Another tetracycline antibiotic, this one comes in powder formand is also inserted in gum pockets. It is used to reduce the depth of the pocket. This antibiotic will be applied by the dentist in the office.

What is the best treatment for gum disease?

My number one recommendation for at home treatment of gum disease is a water flosser!Water flossershave so many great benefitsfor everyone, not just those with gum disease. They shoot a powerful stream of water out into all of the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. It’s kind of like a pressure washer for your teeth. These streams of water can reach down in deep gum pockets & in between the teeth. This helps flush out and irrigate difficult areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.

What do you do if you have gum disease?

If you have gum disease you need to be under the care of a dentist. They will perform the treatment you need to help stop your gum disease from getting worse. With these helpful products and the help of a good dentist, hopefully you can get your oral health back in good shape.

Is gingivitis reversible?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is reversible if taken care of early. Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily.Bad breath and tender gums as well. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance into advanced gum disease known as periodontal disease.

What are the signs of gingivitis?

Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily.Bad breath and tender gums as well. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance into advanced gum disease known as periodontal disease. This is an infection of the gums surrounding the teeth.

What happens if you leave gingivitis untreated?

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance into advanced gum disease known as periodontal disease. This is an infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. This can cause a multitude of problems including bone and tooth loss. If you have gum disease you need to be under the care of a dentist.

Is it good to have an electric toothbrush?

So in order to be in good gum health, you should have a great toothbrush. Preferably an electric one. Electric toothbrushes have many great benefits including killing bacteria with their ultrasonic vibrations. The less harmful bacteria in your mouth the better for control of gum disease.

Is an electric toothbrush good for gum disease?

Electric toothbrushes have many great benefits including killing bacteria with their ultrasonic vibrations. The less harmful bacteria in your mouth the better for control of gum disease. As a BURST ambassador and dental hygienist, my number one recommendation for an electric toothbrush is theBURST sonic toothbrush.

How to use mouthwash?

Before using any mouthwash you should go through these steps: 1 Determine the primary reason for using mouthwash. Is it to treat a condition or simply to prevent dental disease? 2 Consult your dentist. You should first gain a diagnosis of your problem and get your doctor's recommendation before using a mouthwash. 3 Read the label carefully: be judicious in understanding what is in the product. 4 Follow the directions.

How common is gingivitis?

According to Kami Hoss, D.D.S., M.S., CEO of The Super Dentists, gingivitis is extremely common, even if you visit the dentist regularly. “An estimated three out of four American adults have gingivitis,” he says.

Is gingivitis reversible?

Reviewers noticed that this formula provides the relief they’ve been looking for and provides multiple hours of hydration. Although gingivitis is caused by dry mouth, it is reversible. With the right care, you can heal your mouth from home. The 8 Best Toothpastes to Buy in 2021.

Can gingivitis cause gum irritation?

Buy on Amazon. Gingivitis can cause gum irritation and if you have a canker sore, the pain can be almost unbearable. If you have a hard-to-reach canker sore (like in the back of your mouth between your gums and cheek) swishing with this rinse can help apply targeted relief.

Does TheraBreath have alcohol?

This formula does not contain alcohol, artificial colors, or flavors. According to its label, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an ingredient approved by the FDA and is “clinically proven to kill germs linked to gum disease and other periodontal problems.” 3 . The 9 Best Toothbrushes to Buy in 2021.

Does Act mouthwash have fluoride?

This ACT Mouthwash contains the maximum strength of fluoride available in rinse form without a prescription. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. And since it's available at such a reasonable price, it’s a great budget option to add to your daily routine for overall oral health.

Why does Colgate have dry mouth?

Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that occurs when your salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. This can be hereditary or be caused by stress, medications, or smoking. Whatever the cause, this formula by Colgate can help hydrate your mouth in between brushing. According to the label, it relieves dry mouth for up to four hours.

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