Periodontal disease is a serious medical condition that not only affects your teeth and gums, but can cause overall health problems. If you notice the signs of gum disease and access to treatment is limited, there are ways you can minimize the progression until you can seek help.

Switch Toothbrushes

Brushing your teeth and gums twice per day can reduce the chance of dental problems and even slow the progression of gum disease. If you have not been brushing twice per day, now is the time to start. You may want to enhance the effectiveness of brushing by investing in an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. Since there are numerous variations in the shape of your teeth and how closely they are spaced, brushing with a manual toothbrush may not do an effective job. It is easier to reach your back teeth and the back of your front teeth with an electric toothbrush. Choose one with a small, oscillating head and long, slender neck, so it is easier to use.

Consider Alternatives To Dental Floss

Flossing is another important part of oral care, but when you have gum inflammation and swelling, conventional floss may be painful to use. Try alternatives, such as a water flosser to remove plaque buildup near the gum line and loosen debris from between your teeth. Although this may not be as effective as dental floss, it is a better option than avoiding flossing due to irritation. Between using dental floss or your water flosser, try chewing sugar-free gum. This can help loosen food particles and give your teeth a light cleaning between brushing.

Use An Appropriate Mouthwash

Your current mouthwash might be doing more harm than good. One concern is using mouthwashes containing alcohol. They can burn more if you already have mouth irritation, but they also contribute to dry mouth. When you have periodontal disease, the last thing you want is exacerbate the problem by minimizing saliva production, which can increase bacterial growth. Try using mouthwashes without alcohol or ones that are specifically formulated to enhance saliva production. Another type of mouthwash you should add are ones that help minimize the early stages of periodontal disease. Some of these are marketed as antimicrobial. Make sure you use the product as directed. As with any product that reduces unhealthy bacteria, there is the risk of harming the healthy bacteria in your mouth.

Periodontal disease requires prompt treatment by a professional like Fuller Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. If you have to wait a while for an appointment, there are self-care techniques to reduce gum irritation and avoid exacerbation of gum disease.