Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. While there are recommended treatments for periodontal disease, there are also some things you should avoid doing that may worsen the condition.
Do Not Ignore the Signs and Symptoms
The early signs of gum disease are extremely important to recognize. If you ignore the symptoms, the disease is likely to rapidly advance. Some of the early warning signs include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
- Gums that look like they are pulling away from the teeth
- Loose teeth
Do not assume that bleeding gums are normal. This is one of the clearest signs that you have the beginnings of periodontitis. Schedule a dental exam if you notice any of these periodontal disease symptoms.
Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Smoking is one of the major risk factors associated with gum disease. Chemicals in tobacco can irritate your gums and make them more susceptible to infection. Smoking also compromises your immune system and healing response. If you do have periodontitis, smoking will make the treatment much less effective. Quitting all tobacco products is recommended if you want to prevent and control gum disease.
Do Not Skimp on Oral Hygiene
To prevent and treat periodontal disease, oral hygiene must be a top priority. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is the baseline standard for good oral hygiene. If you have gum disease, you may have to step up your cleaning routine. But you should never skip oral hygiene or do it less frequently. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to build up along and under the gumline, which feeds the infection.
Do Not Miss Your Dental Cleanings and Checkups
Professional cleanings and oral exams are essential when you have periodontal disease. These appointments allow your dentist to remove plaque buildup, check for periodontal pockets, and monitor the effectiveness of your treatment plan. Pretending the problem doesn’t exist and skipping your dental visits will ensure that the disease continues to advance.
Do Not Take Antibiotics Without Medical Supervision
Antibiotics are sometimes used alongside dental cleanings and surgery to treat advanced cases of gum disease. But you should never take antibiotics long-term or without supervision from a dentist or physician. Overuse of antibiotics can cause resistance, making them less effective when you really need them. Stick with the antibiotic regimen prescribed by your provider.
Do Not Rely on Mouthwash Alone
Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to a periodontal disease treatment plan. But using mouthwash alone is not enough. Mouthwash does not physically remove plaque and bacteria from below and around the gumline. It also won’t address issues like tooth loss and bone damage caused by the infection. Use mouthwash as directed in addition to brushing, flossing, dental visits, and any other treatments prescribed.
Do Not Have Elective Dental Work Without Consulting Your Dentist
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, be sure to consult your dentist before having any elective dental work done. Procedures like teeth whitening and veneers are unlikely to be successful when active gum disease is present. The infection needs to be under control first. Otherwise, your investment in cosmetic dentistry may be wasted.
Do Not Use Teeth to Crack Hard Foods and Objects
Avoid cracking hard nuts, chewing on ice, and biting into hard candies. Cracking the teeth together with force can lead to fractures that provide openings for bacteria to enter. Chew carefully and stick with softer foods while undergoing treatment for gum disease.
Do Not Ignore Other Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions increase susceptibility to periodontal disease. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis have all been linked to gum infection. If you have any of these chronic conditions, take extra care with oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Do Not Consume Excessive Amounts of Alcohol and Caffeine
Drinking more than one or two alcoholic beverages per day is associated with increased gum recession and bone loss. Excessive caffeine consumption can also amplify periodontal inflammation. Moderation is key when it comes to intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
Do Not Ignore Jaw Pain or Changes in Bite Alignment
Advanced gum disease can sometimes lead to damage of the bones around the teeth. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. It can also cause pain while chewing. See your dentist right away if you experience these types of issues. Jaw bone loss cannot be reversed, but steps may be taken to prevent it from getting worse.
Do Not Opt for Do-It-Yourself Treatments
Cleaning your own teeth, using store-bought anti-plaque rinses, and trying to scrape off visible tartar are not effective treatments for moderate or advanced periodontal disease. Once beyond the initial gingivitis stage, specialized deep cleaning and perhaps surgery are required. Stick with your customized treatment plan.
Do Not Miss Follow-Up Appointments
Careful monitoring and maintenance are crucial when dealing with gum infection. Your dentist will want to see you frequently to assess your status, provide cleanings, and determine if further treatment is needed. Skipping follow-up appointments gives the disease a chance to spread and hinder your progress.
Conclusion
While treatment protocols are available for periodontal disease, there are also many things you should not do if you want the best outcome. Avoiding these detrimental behaviors and following professional recommendations diligently gives you the optimal chance of saving your teeth and getting the infection under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs I may have periodontal disease?
Some common signs of periodontal disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums; gums pulling away from the teeth; bad breath or taste; and loose or shifting teeth.
How often should I see the dentist if I have gum disease?
You should see your dentist every 3-6 months for cleanings and monitoring. More frequent visits may be needed if you have more advanced disease.
Can gum disease go away if I improve my oral hygiene?
Early gingivitis can sometimes resolve with improved brushing and flossing. More severe forms require professional dental treatment.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, jaw bone deterioration, and increased risk of heart disease. Prompt treatment is important.
Can I treat gum disease at home?
Home care like brushing and flossing is important but not enough. See your dentist for deep cleanings, antibiotics or antiseptic rinses, and surgery if needed.
Key Takeaways
- Do not ignore early symptoms like swollen, bleeding gums.
- Quit smoking and tobacco use.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene.
- See your dentist regularly for cleanings and monitoring.
- Do not skip prescribed dental treatments.
- Avoid very hard, crunchy foods.
- Get other health conditions under control.
- Follow up on all appointments until disease is stable.
Treatment Options Table
| Treatment | Description | When Prescribed |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Cleaning | Removes plaque and tartar below the gumline | Moderate to severe gum disease |
| Medications | Antibiotics or antiseptic rinses to fight infection | Moderate to severe gum disease |
| Oral Hygiene Instructions | Proper home care techniques | All stages |
| Bite Adjustment | Fixes occlusion to prevent tooth damage | When bite is off |
| Gum Graft/Surgery | Covers exposed roots and reshapes gum tissue | Advanced gum recession |
| Bone Graft | Grows back lost jaw bone | Severe bone loss |
| Tooth Removal | Extracts non-salvageable teeth | Advanced disease with severe tooth damage |
| Dental Implants | Replace missing teeth and stimulates bone | After tooth extractions due to gum disease |