GUM DISEASE CARE

The dentist says, “your teeth are fine, no cavities.” But before you can breathe that sigh of relief, he adds, “but your gums are swollen and bleeding.”

Gum (periodontal) disease affects the tissue and bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. This includes gums, the bony tooth sockets and the connective tissue that secure each tooth to bone.

Gum disease is caused by plague, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that coats your teeth. If allowed to harden the film turns into tartar.

GINGINITIS – plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line. This can make gums dusky red, swollen, tender and prone to bleeding.

PERIODONTITIS – this is the advanced stage of gum disease. . If plaque and tartar extend beneath your gum line, destructive bacteria can multiply in this dark, airless region.

• Take the time to brush and floss properly. That old lick –and- a –promise just won’t do.
• Brush thoroughly at the gum line.
• Alternate between toothbrushes, allowing one to dry thoroughly before re- using.
• Increase the amount of the calcium in your diet to increase your underlying bone.
• Stop smoking: smoking slows your gums, ability to heal themselves.
• Pick the right toothbrush: one with soft, rounded or polished bristly make it possible to insert the brush at the gum line.
• Buy fluoride toothpaste, as this will help remove plaque while protecting against cavities.
• Brush twice daily, just before bedtime and again in the morning. During sleep, saliva flow lessens.
• Increase your vitamin C to at least 500 mg daily to strengthens the gum tissue.
• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide mixed with water several times a week to inhibit bacteria growth.
• Eat raw vegetables as they will stimulate the teeth and gums.
• Occasionally brush with aloe vera gel to aid in healing bleeding gums.