Our mouths are exposed to countless bacteria, every day. Some are helpful, and some give rise to harmful acids. While our teeth have protective layers of enamel, our mouth’s soft tissues are more exposed. Those unable to fight off the daily levels of plaque and bacteria will see their gums affected negatively. This doesn’t need to be a losing battle – proper periodontal care and in-office periodontal treatment will help you keep both your gums and teeth in sound health.
At-Home Periodontal Care in Oakland
Home periodontal care is nearly the same thing as your standard oral hygiene – it’s crucial that you brush and floss at least twice daily, using effective techniques. At the same time, there are a few extra steps you can take to give your gums some beneficial care:
- Floss carefully and thoroughly. When flossing, it’s not quite enough to just floss between your teeth. Make sure you slide your floss up and around the tooth to access the gum line. This will help remove plaque lurking at the base of your teeth, against your gums.
- Use a soft-bristled brush. Anything harder will irritate your gums and can cause them to recede. Your irritated gums may also seem to be infected, giving off a false alarm.
- Use mouthwash. When you brush and floss, you’re only focusing on the teeth and surrounding areas. What about the rest of your mouth? A mouthwash will kill bacteria in difficult-to-access areas and keep gums healthy.
- Keep an eye open for signs of ailing gums. If your gums are tender, swollen, bleeding, or strange in any way, make an appointment right away.
Oakland Periodontal Treatment at Summit Dental
Periodontal treatment removes bacteria from periodontal pockets between teeth and gums, eliminating disease and allowing gums to reattach. If we catch your gum disease at an earlier stage, it will be much simpler to resolve. If you think you may have a periodontal problem, call us today.