How to Close Gum Gaps

Gum disease or periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums that can lead to the loss of your teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental Research, 80 percent of adults in America are in the stages of gum disease. Gum disease attacks below the gum line, causing bacteria to create pockets or gaps around the tooth. The gaps that are filled with bacteria break down and decay the supporting tissue of your tooth, which may cause your teeth to start to wiggle and fall out. A Periodontist can perform deep cleaning that can close the gaps in the gum line that occur with gum disease. There are also many other procedures you can do at home to close the gum gaps.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial mouthwash
• Antibiotics
• Tooth brush
• Dental floss
• Toothpaste
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Vitamin D

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Instructions

• 1

  Recognize the symptoms of gum disease which are swollen, red, inflamed gums, bleeding while flossing and brushing, bad breath and gaps between your teeth. Recognize the risk factors that increase your chances of getting gum disease as, poor dental hygiene habits, smoking, diabetes, taking anti-depressants, genetics and stress.

• 2

  Go to your dentist for a check up and teeth cleaning. When you get your teeth cleaned, the dental assistant will check the gums surrounding your teeth. She will use a special tool to measure and see if there are any gaps filled with bacteria. The deeper the gap the more advanced your gingival or periodontal disease is.

• 3

  Use the antibacterial mouthwash that your dentist prescribes for you. Take any antibiotics your dentist prescribes. Brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day.

• 4

  Go back to the dentist for more deep cleanings of your teeth called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves scraping off the tartar, both above and below the gum line. Root planning is a procedure where the dentist smoothes out the bumps and rough areas on the root of the tooth. If this procedure is successful, the gaps in your gum line will close.

  Have your dentist place anti-biotic gel chips in the gaps around your teeth to prevent infection and close the gaps. It may take up to four appointments to complete the deep cleaning process.

• 5

  Take vitamins, especially vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D to reduce the gaps in your gums. Calcium and vitamin D prevent osteoporosis or bone loss. Your teeth are made of bone so these vitamins are important. Vitamin C helps prevent infections of the gums. Eat a healthy diet, stop smoking, and brush and floss your teeth to prevent future gum gaps.