Do your gums hurt or bleed after brushing or flossing your teeth? You may have early-stage periodontitis or gum disease. It’s easy to worry when you experience pain in your mouth, but before you call your dentist, keep reading to find out how you may be able to treat your gum disease from home.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease can be a serious infection that can cause damage to the soft tissue around your teeth and if left untreated, to the bones that support your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss. It usually begins with plaque buildup. Plaque is made up of bacteria and if not treated, it can develop over time into periodontitis:

Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria commonly found in your mouth. It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove the plaque that accumulates each day. Even when we do our due diligence, plaque can harden under your gum line into tartar. You can’t get rid of tartar by brushing or flossing, which is why it’s important to see a dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings. They have the tools specifically designed to remove tartar from your teeth. Both plaque and tartar are filled with bacteria, so the longer they remain on your teeth, the more damage they can do.

What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?

The stages of periodontal disease progress from mild to moderate to severe, if left untreated. Here’s a breakdown of the stages:

Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums. You may notice red, swollen gums that bleed easily, especially while brushing or flossing.

Early Periodontitis: As gum disease progresses, it can lead to the formation of space between the teeth and gums allowing bacteria to deposit. Early Periodontitis symptoms may include bad breath, receding/bleeding gums, and increased temperature sensitivity.

Moderate Periodontitis: At this stage, the bacterial infection begins to spread deeper and damage the gums and the teeth. You may notice loose or shifting teeth, as well as misalignment when biting or chewing.

Advanced Periodontitis: In the most severe stage of gum disease, the infection has caused significant damage to the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. This can result in adult tooth loss and other serious complications. But don’t worry, hope is not lost!

Treating Gum Disease at Home

While professional dental treatment is essential for effectively treating advanced gum disease, there are several at-home remedies you can try to treat the early stages:

Of course, the first and most important step is practicing good oral hygiene daily to remove plaque and food specs from between your teeth and along the gumline. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to efficiently remove buildup. An additional step we recommend is to rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth.

When to See a Dentist

While these at-home remedies can help improve the health of your gums, they are not a substitute for professional dental care. If you experience symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen/bleeding gums, loose teeth, and persistent bad breath, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Remember that prevention is the most important part of good oral health! However, noticing signs of gum disease and treating it early on is crucial to avoid further damage to your teeth and oral structures. By practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and receiving routine dental care, you can show off healthy gums and a Bright smile for years to come.