You can’t cure periodontitis, but you can manage the condition with proper care and maintenance. This includes good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings at intervals recommended by your dentist. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
In general, the sooner you treat gum disease, the less likely you are to lose teeth. Take a look at the range of products available to treat gum disease, find out when they are used and which are most effective. However, there are different types of fluoride and some of them are better at doing this than others.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a common oral health issue that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. It is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which can irritate the gums and eventually lead to infection. Many people wonder if using toothpaste can help prevent or even stop gum disease.
You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. If you want to wean yourself off nicotine, then a system where you can use your own liquids is best. Your dentist or hygienist may also be able to show you an alternative technique to use in these spots.
What Causes Gum Disease?
While you can’t catch gum disease through brief casual contact, repeated and long-term contact through saliva (such as kissing) may increase your risk for periodontal disease. Almost half of all adults in the United States have some form of gum disease. If you don’t know, plaque is essentially, a sticky layer of bacteria trapped inside a film (the fancy name is a biofilm) that coats the teeth and gets under the gumline (in advanced gum disease). Once the gums do become infected, you may develop periodontitis which can lead to tooth loss and the spread of bacteria into your bloodstream. Though gingivitis can be easily dealt with it should never be ignored.
Gum disease is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene practices. When plaque is not removed from the teeth through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed, leading to gum disease.
How Toothpaste Can Help
Your recovery time will depend on several factors, including how many teeth were treated, where the gum graft came from and what type of grafting procedure was done. In most cases, people who undergo gum recession surgery feel back to normal in about two weeks. No matter the cause of your gum recession, timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term oral health problems.
While toothpaste alone may not be able to stop gum disease, using a toothpaste that contains active ingredients such as fluoride or antimicrobial agents can help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of gum disease. These ingredients can help kill bacteria in the mouth and strengthen the enamel on the teeth, making it harder for plaque to adhere to the teeth.
Conclusion
While toothpaste can play a role in preventing gum disease, it is important to remember that good oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining healthy gums. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings are all important steps in preventing gum disease. If you are concerned about gum disease, it is best to consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations on how to maintain healthy gums.
