The Best Treatments For Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that could eventually lead to tooth loss. It is very unlikely that you will defeat gum disease without a visit to the dentist for a scaling and root planing. But even after receiving these treatments, there are other necessary things you should do to continue treating your gum disease. 

Your Visit To The Dentist

Your dentist will need to remove plaque through techniques called scaling and root planing. With scaling, the tartar is scraped from above and below the gum line. Planing removes the rough spots that allow for bacteria to accumulate. One of the newer techniques is to use a laser to remove plaque and tartar. This approach has become popular because it is less likely to cause pain and swelling. Once your dentist has treated you for gum disease, the battle isn't over. 

Over-The-Counter Solutions

Medications can be used in combination with surgery. However, they cannot be used as a substitute for surgery. The most effective medications are those that have been prescribed by your doctor. However, there are also some over-the-counter medications that can help combat gum disease. These include chewing gum, mouth washes, sprays and gels. Many of these options will introduce healthy bacteria to your mouth, which can improve the health of your mouth over time. When healthy bacteria is introduced, it fights and crowds out the unhealthy bacteria, preventing it from growing.

Prescription Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwash is used after a surgery to continue to target bacteria that remain. It is rinsed around in the mouth like any other mouthwash.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are capsules taken to treat an acute infection in the short-term. However, taking too many oral antibiotics can lead to bacteria within your body developing an immunity to antibiotics.

Antibiotic Microspheres

Antibiotic microspheres are used to reduce the size of periodontal pockets. These are particles that contain an antibiotic known as minocyline. They are placed inside the tooth pockets after a scaling and roof planing.

Antibiotic Gels

Antibiotic gels can control the growth of bacteria. They contain the antibacterial doxycyline. The antibiotic is released over the course of a few days, slowly killing bacteria that cause gum disease.

Antiseptic Chips

The antiseptic chip can not only control the growth of bacteria, but can also reduce the size of the periodontal pockets that allow for bacteria that causes gum disease to thrive. It is placed at the site of the oral decay and releases the antibiotic over time.

Better Oral Care

Gum disease usually results from improper dental care. Therefore, you will need to improve your oral care to make sure that gum disease does not return. This includes regularly using an anti-bacterial mouth rinse and brushing more frequently. You will also need to visit your dentist more frequently to receive thorough cleanings. While it is a lot of work, preventing gum disease is much easier than removing it once it has occurred.

For more information, contact a dentist like Carpenter Dental, Charles M. Carpenter DMD, and Chas M. Carpenter DMD.