The early signs of gum disease are easy enough to spot without a visit to the dentist. Maybe you noticed your teeth getting a little discoloured near your gum line or your gums keep bleeding when you floss. If you begin to suspect gum disease, you may start researching home remedies to try treating it without a trip to the dentist’s office.
Despite what some people claim, home remedies might provide some relief, but they cannot replace professional treatment. The remedies that claim to allow people to treat gum disease on their own might alleviate some of the symptoms, but none of them can treat the root cause of gum disease or repair the damage that gum disease causes to your mouth.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the result of plaque buildup. Plaque contains bacteria and should be cleared by regular brushing and flossing. If plaque is not cleared, it builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.
In the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, the bacteria in the plaque can break down the gum tissue over time. As the gum tissue breaks down and recedes, pockets form where the bacteria can further reproduce.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it eventually becomes a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. The bacteria that attack the gums penetrate deeper into the mouth tissues and start eroding the bone that holds the teeth in place.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s possible they’re being caused by gum disease.
The symptoms of gingivitis can include:
- Tenderness or pain in the gum area
- Red, puffy, or swollen gums
- Gums bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
The symptoms of periodontitis can include:
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums bleeding, even when not brushing or flossing
- Pus or bad taste in the mouth
- Gums appearing to pull away from your teeth
Why Can’t I Cure Gum Disease Without a Dentist?
Whether you prefer conventional oral care methods or one of the many popular home remedies, all of the techniques claimed to “cure” gum disease without a dentist share a common limitation: they’re topical, which means that their effects are limited to the surface of the gums.
Plaque can build up under the gum line where topical methods can’t reach it, whether you’re brushing, flossing, or using a plaque/tartar reducing mouthwash. That plaque will eventually harden into tartar, which will provide a place for bacteria to collect while they eat away at your gums. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it can only be safely removed by a dental professional.
Since you cannot remove tartar on your own, a professional has to remove tartar above and below the gumline. That’s why it’s critical to see your dentist for your routine checkup and cleaning, especially if you have any symptoms of gum disease. Your dentist will be able to remove any plaque and tartar, both above and below the gum line, to ensure that any potential gum disease doesn’t get worse.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
If your goal is to avoid going to the dentist for extra treatments, your best bet is to prevent gum disease before it starts. Like most diseases, it’s far easier to prevent yourself from getting gum disease in the first place than to treat it after it’s happened. Here are the best ways to prevent gum disease from entering your life.
Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene is by far the easiest and most important way to prevent gum disease. The steps you take to prevent tooth decay, like regular brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary foods, and drinking plenty of water, all prevent the buildup of bacteria that causes gum disease.
Dental Exams & Cleanings
Like we explained earlier, there are some parts of your mouth that your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash just can’t reach. Regular exams and cleanings are vital to remove any plaque and tartar that might have built up below your gum line. During the exam, your dentist will also check for any other signs of gum disease to prevent it from becoming a problem.
You & Your Dentist Can Stop Gum Disease
When it comes to preventing and treating gum disease, visiting a dental clinic is the most effective option to protect your teeth. We understand that people may be reluctant to go to the dentist, so at Sundance Dental Clinic, we do everything we can to make sure your experience goes as smoothly as possible.
If you see any of the symptoms of gum disease, don’t hesitate to get it checked and book an appointment with us today. Your gums and teeth will thank you!
