Gum Disease Self-Care

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a manageable condition that can be treated using a combination of professional periodontal care, gum disease self-care, and periodontal maintenance.

While most people focus on surgery or laser treatment as the solution to their periodontal problems, at-home care is equally essential to achieving lasting results. In this article, we will discuss gum hygiene techniques and provide information on how you can maximize your oral health.

Gum Disease Self-Care

Brushing & Flossing

Brushing

Brushing and flossing are the foundation of a proper gum disease self-care routine. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening). Consider brushing after meals if food often gets caught in your teeth while eating. If you decide to brush after meals, just be careful not to over-brush, as doing so can lead to gum recession if you overdo it.

When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush for two minutes each time. For maximum results, use a 45-degree angle pointed toward the gumline. Angling your brush helps to remove food and bacteria that may be stuck just below the gumline.

Flossing

Flossing is an essential component of your oral health daily regimen. It helps remove food particles and plaque between the teeth and along the gumline, two areas often missed when brushing. When flossing, it is important to use good technique. Make sure to thoroughly clean between the teeth and angle the floss to clean both sides of each tooth.

Stop Smoking

Even if you have excellent oral hygiene habits, smoking can interfere with your progress. Using tobacco products of any kind weakens your immune system and limits your ability to fight off infections. That’s why smoking and chewing tobacco are significant gum disease risk factors.

We understand that quitting tobacco is very challenging, but the improvement to your oral health will be significant once you do.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Chronic stress can negatively affect your immune system and diminish your ability to fight off infections such as gum disease. While avoiding stressful situations is helpful, also consider exercising regularly and engaging in relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and enjoying time with family and friends.

Start A Regular Periodontal Maintenance Schedule

To stop the progression of gum disease, you must practice excellent gum disease self-care and seek out regular periodontal cleanings called periodontal maintenance. You should have your teeth cleaned by a periodontist once every three to six months, depending on the severity of your gum disease.

Regular periodontal cleanings serve several purposes. As mentioned previously, periodontal cleanings are an essential element of your gum disease treatment. They also serve as check-ups, allowing your doctor to look for any problem areas needing attention. Gum disease treatment is most effective when problems are caught early on before they can cause long-term damage.

Sacramento Periodontics can bring back your healthy smile

At Sacramento Periodontics, our doctors are gum disease experts. They have over 30 years of experience and have successfully treated thousands of patients with gum disease. We will work together with you to bring your healthy smile back. Let’s get started today.