Gum disease more commonly known as Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is caused by bacterial plaque, a thin sticky layer that collects at the gum line when there is a lack of daily oral hygiene. When gum disease is not taken care of right away, it can lead to more serious problems.
There are several warning signs to look out for that could lead to gum disease:
Gums that bleed easily when brushing
Persistent bad breath
Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
Gums that been receding away from the teeth
To treat gum disease without a dentist, it’s important to adopt good oral hygiene habits daily. Use floss to clean between the teeth, in spaces that the toothbrush cannot easily get to.
Take extra care when cleaning areas of uneven surfaces such as cooked teeth, fillings and crowns.
After brushing, use an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent bacteria from growing and reduce any inflammatory reaction in the mouth.