Gum disease is a fairly common condition that is very treatable. The condition effects the health of the gums as well as the surrounding teeth. If left untreated, the condition may lead to more progressive concerns, such as tooth loss and even destruction of the tissue surrounding the teeth. There are a number of different ways to treat and prevent gum disease, but using mouthwash regularly is one of the best ways.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is a condition that adversely affects the gums. It is caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth along the gums. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and involves gum inflammation. As the condition progresses, bacteria and plaque build-up along the gum line causing the gums to bleed more easily during brushing.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it typically advances into gum disease. As the disease progresses, the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets between the gums and teeth collect debris and can become infected over time. To counteract the infection, the body’s immune system fights the bacteria. However, as the body fights off the infection and the bacteria spreads further, toxins or poisons enter the system and begin to break down the bone and other connective tissue that hold the teeth in place. The more developed the condition becomes, the more damage occurs, causing the destruction of gum tissue and bone. As this occurs, the teeth become loose and may fall out. Gum disease is currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
While plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, there are other factors that contribute to the condition. Hormonal changes, illness, certain medications, bad habits such as smoking, poor oral hygiene habits, and family history of the disease all contribute to an individual’s development of the condition.
How to Determine if You Have Gum Disease?
Because gum disease is a progressive condition, catching it at an early stage is essential to prevent more comprehensive damage. If it is caught and treated in an early stage, the condition can typically be reversed without any tissue or bone loss, so it is important to know the common warning signs or symptoms of the condition. Many of the symptoms of periodontal disease are relatively subtle. However, there are signs that indicate some form of the disease. The most common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed during or following tooth brushing
- Inflamed, red, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Recurring bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Deep pockets forming between the teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in bite or the way the teeth fit together when biting down
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist right away to schedule an appointment. Likewise, making improvements to your daily oral hygiene practices will help prevent further development of the disease. To assess whether you have periodontitis, your dentist will check for gum bleeding as well as swelling, firmness, and pocket depth. Your dental professional will also consider teeth movement, sensitivity, proper teeth alignment, and jawbone strength.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
There are a number of different treatments for gum disease, especially in its early stages. The main goal of treatment is to stop further development of the condition. Specific treatment of the condition depends on the stage and severity of the disease; however, early treatment focuses on proper plaque control, using appropriate oral hygiene methods.
Early treatment typically centres on the primary components of a solid oral hygiene routine: brushing, flossing, using the right mouthwash, and getting regular dental check-ups.
- Brushing – Regular brushing is important to remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth. This is your first defence against gum disease.
- Flossing – Flossing regularly removes food particles and plaque that form between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Rinsing – Using mouthwash is essential for reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque and gum disease.
- Dental Cleaning – Regular dental check-ups are also important for identifying any issues and removing stubborn plaque and debris that form on the teeth.
How Effective Is Mouthwash for Treating Gum Disease?
Many people use “cosmetic mouthwash” daily to freshen the breath; however, when treating gum disease, it is important that you use a mouthwash designed for the job. The right type of mouthwash is antiseptic, so it kills germs and bacteria in the mouth and helps reduce plaque on your teeth. Not only does it kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis, though. It also eliminates bacteria that contributes to bad breath and other dental health issues.
How Do You Choose the Right Mouthwash?
Choosing the best mouthwash for the job is important. To treat gum disease, you need something that is stronger and more effective than your typical “breath freshener,” so it is important to know what to look for when considering a mouthwash to help treat gum disease. As you determine what type of mouthwash to use to fight the condition, keep in mind that you need a mouth rinse that has active antibacterial ingredients. These ingredients are precisely what will kill the germs that are causing the condition in the first place. Likewise, choose a wash that is designed for this purpose otherwise it may not be strong enough. Good options also have the capacity to fight or prevent plaque build-up because plaque is another important concern when it comes to treating gingivitis.
As you select a mouthwash, it is also important to note that your mouthwash may not contain fluoride, which also helps protect the teeth. If that is the case, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent cavities. If you have issues with dry mouth, you will likely want to stay away from alcohol-based mouthwashes, as these can be especially drying to the mouth.
To get the most benefit from your mouthwash, be sure to follow a structured oral hygiene routine. Begin by thoroughly brushing your teeth and flossing between the teeth and along the gums. Then proceed to rinse using an antibacterial mouthwash. Rinse for 1-2 minutes and spit the used mouthwash out of your mouth to avoid further spread of the bacteria throughout your body. Repeat this process at least twice daily.
Gum disease is a serious condition that not only affects your smile but your overall health as well. Advanced stages of gum disease can lead to the loss of both gum tissue and bone, but it is also linked to more progressive health conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. With the right oral care products, namely an antibacterial mouthwash, you can treat the condition and prevent further damage. To treat and prevent the disease on a daily basis, brush and floss effectively, and then follow the routine up with an effective mouthwash rinse. In conjunction with these steps, you should also see your dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and assessment of your gum health. Your dentist can also recommend the best product for fighting gingivitis. Reclaim your smile and give yourself a healthy advantage with an effective oral hygiene regimen.
