Periodontitis is a disease of the gum that occurs due to a bacterial buildup underneath the gum line. When tartar becomes hardened and forms plaque, this hard material causes the gum line to recede. Periodontitis can lead to redness, swollen gums, pain, bad breath and ultimately loss of the teeth. There are ways to stop periodontitis from occurring or worsening.
Instructions
1. Have your teeth cleaned every three to six months to avoid plaque buildup. If you already have periodontitis, have a gum scaling or root planing under the gums to ensure all of the plaque is gone. Have this cleaning performed every 3 months to ensure plaque does not rebuild.
2. After teeth have been cleaned, follow by flossing every time you eat. Carry floss with you so you can floss after snacks. Brush at every meal as well. Use a toothpaste that contains peroxide to help keep bacteria at bay.
3. Rinse for 30 seconds or more with peroxide before flossing. Spit it out and floss to allow the peroxide to penetrate between your teeth. Follow this by brushing your teeth. Brush down on the gum to encourage any tartar to be pushed out from underneath the gum. In addition, be sure to pay attention to the inside of the teeth and back teeth.
4. Use a medicated mouthwash such as Listerine. Medicated mouthwashes help kill bacteria on the teeth, gum and tongue. Consider using a tongue scraper as well. The tongue carries more bacteria than anywhere else in the mouth. The less bacteria allowed to build in your mouth the better.
5. Stop smoking and chewing tobacco. Both of these habits can lead to advanced periodontitis. In addition, limit sugary foods and carbohydrates. These foods can feed bacterial growth. Floss and brush immediately after eating or drinking products that contain sugar or carbohydrates to avoid bacterial buildup. In addition, ask you dentist if any medications you are taking might be contributing to gum disease.
6. Take antibiotics for an acute case of periodontitis. This will help kill the bacteria in your mouth and temporarily slow the disease. Antibiotics can be used with cleaning and other preventive measures to help keep the condition under control.
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