Treating Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Fortunately, it is highly preventable through consistent, efficient oral care. If you haven’t been successful with maintaining good oral health and require periodontal disease treatment, it can often be done in a non-surgical manner.

If your gums are bleeding, this may be because of stage one periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis. Bleeding gums is a common symptom and should be easy to notice. Fortunately, since this is only stage one, bone loss hasn’t yet happened and the damage can most often be reversible with treatment and an improved oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing and flossing will remove bacteria and food debris from between your teeth, which will help you avoid infection that comes with gum disease. Your dentist can provide a deeper cleaning to help get you on the right track.

One mistake many people make is that they brush and floss too strenuously in an attempt to reverse gum disease. Brushing too hard or with harsh toothbrushes can actually cause more bleeding and can further irritate your gums.

One way to help prevent or reverse periodontal disease is to take supplements that are rich on coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin C and D. Drinking milk, which is rich in calcium can also help strengthen teeth.

Using proper toothpaste and gargling with a mouthwash that kills bacteria can help fight against gum disease. Check with your dentist to see what he or she recommends.

Some natural treatments have also been recommended for periodontal disease treatment or prevention. Tea tree oil is a well-known natural remedy that helps ease swollen gums. Cranberry juice is another natural treatment that is well known for its natural anti-bacterial properties and can be purchased at any grocery store.

When gum disease starts affecting the bone, focused periodontal disease treatment is required. This treatment may involve scaling and root planting, which is essentially a very deep cleaning that removes the hardened plaque that has built up and caused the infection.

If periodontal disease progresses to stage four, advanced periodontal disease treatment will include surgery or laser therapy. Don’t let it get to that point!

If you experience bleeding gums, make an appointment with your dentist to check for early signs of gum disease. If you haven’t been in for your twice yearly cleaning and exam, make an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection is the key to prevent gum disease from reaching advanced stages.