Have you recently been diagnosed with mild periodontitis? Also known as gum disease, periodontitis is a serious bacterial infection that harms the soft tissue supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can have far-reaching repercussions. In fact, it can even lead to bone loss and tooth loss. It’s also linked with a variety of major health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Fortunately, although periodontitis isn’t reversible or curable, if you learn how to treat mild periodontitis, you can avoid these extreme outcomes, halt the progression of the disease, and protect your oral health.
Gingivitis vs. Mild Periodontitis
First, it’s important to distinguish between gingivitis and mild periodontitis.
Considered the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis is less severe than periodontitis and completely reversible. The most common symptom is red, swollen gums. If you develop gingivitis and don’t take action, it will inevitably progress into mild periodontitis. At this stage, your gums will begin pulling away from your teeth, creating pockets, and you will experience bone loss. In addition, plaque, tartar, and bacteria will become trapped in these gingival pockets, causing the disease to escalate. If you want to avoid developing moderate or even severe periodontitis, it’s critical that you take action right away.
Let’s explore how to treat mild periodontitis.
Tips for Tackling Mild Gum Disease
Schedule a dental appointment.
This should be your first order of business. At your appointment, your dental hygienist will professionally clean and examine your teeth and gums, and your dentist can provide a diagnosis. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may recommend that you receive periodontal therapy as well.
During periodontal therapy, your dental team will conduct tissue debridement using an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments. To ensure your comfort, you may receive a local anesthetic. Your dental team will also use chlorhexidine, a medicated solution, to irrigate your gingival pockets and promote faster healing, and fluoride to decrease sensitivity. The goal is to reduce inflammation, gingival pocket depths, and plaque to halt the disease’s progression.
Brush twice daily and floss once daily.
Your at-home oral health routine has a huge impact on your gum health. If you’ve developed mild periodontitis, you’re likely not taking the best care of your teeth currently. Your dentist and dental hygienist can provide guidance and show you how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques. The following tips may also prove helpful:
- Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled brush twice a day.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when you notice frayed bristles.
- Use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle in short strokes, brushing all the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- Spend about two minutes brushing your teeth, dividing that time evenly between the top and bottom and right and left sides.
- When flossing, be sure that you curve the floss around the tooth when you reach the gumline. It should slide between the gum and the tooth on both sides.
- Don’t forget to floss the back side of your last teeth.
If you’re wondering how to treat mild periodontitis, it’s essential that you create and stick to a disciplined at-home oral health routine. Make brushing and flossing daily habits that you can’t imagine going without.
Eat a well-balanced diet that minimizes snacking and sugar.
Try to focus on nutrient-dense foods, and save those salty and sugar treats for special occasions. When you do eat things that might harm your teeth or gums, drink water at the same time to wash away the sugars and food debris.
Don’t smoke.
Smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco can significantly increase your risk of developing gum disease. If you already smoke, try to quit.
Schedule twice-yearly dental check-ups.
Every six months, you should be back in the dentist’s chair for a quick examination and professional cleaning. Not only will this remove any plaque that’s developed in the meantime, but also it lets your dental team track your progress and ensure that you’re improving.
_____
Do you suspect that you have gingivitis or mild periodontitis? Schedule a dental check-up ASAP so that you can secure a diagnosis, receive treatment, and prevent your symptoms from worsening.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!