Will Just Cleaning My Teeth Cure Gum Disease ?
No is the simple answer to that. Gum disease has to be treated as a serious infection and can be linked to other heath issues such as blood poisoning, diabetes, strokes and even heart disease. It is important that you consult a dentist for a diagnosis.
What Measures Can I Take To Prevent Gum Disease?
A strict and regular oral hygiene routine is the front line defense in helping to prevent gum disease, making sure you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and after meals.
Visit your dentist at least every six months for a check up. Your dentist will spot the early signs of gum disease and advise you accordingly. Your dentist may recommend a below gum line clean to remove the plaque that can accumulate there.
How Should I Be Cleaning My Teeth?
Brushing
Using a gentle up,down and side to side motion and don’t forget the backs of your teeth and get right down to the gum line. Also a good habit to get into is brushing your tongue.
Flossing
Secure a clean length of floss around your fingers, wrap the floss around a tooth and commence cleaning each tooth from the gum line to the crown.
I Think I Have The Early Signs Of Gum Disease, What Should I Do?
The first thing to do is get to your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will confirm, or not, as the case may be, your diagnosis. Early detection of gum disease is certainly a major plus in its successful treatment.
What If I Am Suffering More Advanced Stages Of Gum Disease?
You should see your dentist, as soon as possible, for a professional diagnosis. Depending on the outcome of the diagnosis and the severity of your condition your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist is more specialized in the treatment of more advanced stages of gum disease.
I Have Heard The Term Root Planing, What Is This?
Root planing is an extension to normal cleaning by your dentist. The difference between normal cleaning and root planing is that root planing is cleaning below the gum line and in some cases particularly aggressive when a local anesthetic may be used.
Root planing achieves the following :
1. The removal of plaque, tartar and bacteria.
2. After root planing the root surface is smooth and this aids cleaning.
3. Reduction of subsequent infection because the bacteria can no longer adhere to the now smooth root surface.
Will I Heal Quickly After Treatment ?
Healing depends on a number of factors none less important than how you treat yourself.
Important points :
1. Strict oral hygiene routine.
2. Regular dental check ups.
3. Refrain from smoking.
4. Watch what you eat, try to cut out sugar.
5. Avoid stress.
