Understanding Professional & Natural Solutions
Gum disease or periodontal disease is known to affect more than half of all Canadians 30 years of age and older. You might be under the belief that all is okay in your gum world. You end up at the dental clinic for a regular check-up only to be told you have gum disease.
Preventive measures are important in gum diseases. Medical procedures help people avoid a gum disease. Scaling or removal of tartar or plaque on a regular basis can go a long way in keeping your gums healthy.
Use of clove oil along with the toothpaste can stop any bleeding from the gum. Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes inflammation and redness. There may be some bleeding too. It is a less damaging form of gum disease that can be reversed through proper dental care such as regular brushing, flossing and regular cleaning by the dentist.
There are surgical and non-surgical methods of treatment.
- Professional Dental Cleaning. When you appear before the dentist for a regular checkup, he will remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of both sets of teeth. If you share details of any signs of gum disease, your dentist may prescribe professional dental cleaning more than twice-a-year. These cleanings are not a treatment for active gum disease, but they form an important preventive measure that can help you delay or keep off its development.
- Scaling & Root Planing. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Your North York dental professional will perform deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. She will remove rough spots on the tooth root (planing). Smoothing the rough spots not only removes bacteria but also provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. The dentist will prescribe scaling and root planing if she determines that you have developed plaque and calculus (hardened plaque, also called tartar) under the gums.
The Natural Alternatives
If you want to avoid seeing the dentist to resolve issues with gum disease, there are natural ways that you can try at home.
Oil Pulling – The name suggests what it does. The oil pulls toxins from the inside of your mouth and gums. The method has been proved effective. But use only organic oil – olive coconut or clove. That way you can prevent swishing pesticide laden oil in your mouth for several minutes.
Garlic & Turmeric Paste – use a paste of crushed garlic and turmeric with your toothpaste in your irritated gums and then rinse off. Both of these are full of antibacterial properties, and turmeric is also a great anti-inflammatory agent.
Aloe Vera – it comes straight from the plant and should be applied to red and swollen gums. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Sage Leaf Decoction – Boil sage leaves in spring water. Cool the water and gargle with it several times throughout day. It is helpful for gingivitis and gum disease. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and has antimicrobial properties.