How to Cure Gum Desease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that develops slowly over time and is usually painless. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and is a significant cause of adult tooth loss. There are some ways to cure gum disease that anyone can try if the infection isn't too bad. The worse the infection gets, the more problems you may experience, including heart disease, stroke and artery blockage.

Things You'll Need

• Dental floss
• Tooth picks
• Interproximal (proxy) brush
• Interdental cleaner

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth twice a day.

  Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the teeth and gums. It's best to brush in the morning when you first wake up as bacteria and plaque tend to build up through the night. Also, brush your teeth after your last meal of the day. Again, this will clean off any plaque that has built up during the day.

• 2

  Floss between your teeth twice a day.

  Floss between your teeth twice a day. This is normally done with dental floss, but you can use a tooth pick as well. A regular toothbrush is difficult to manipulate between teeth, and plaque can build up quickly in those areas. Work dental floss or toothpicks in between every tooth.

• 3

  Use interproximal, known as proxy brushes, or interdental cleaners to clean between the teeth. Proxy brushes are different from regular floss because they have tiny bristles that are great for gently scraping off the plaque between teeth. Interdental cleaners are different from regular floss in that the floss is attached to a handle which make it easier to control the floss.

• 4

  Eat a healthy diet to avoid gum disease

  Eat a healthy diet. Consume plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of sugar, candy and soda. Healthy food consumption is a good way to avoid periodontal disease.

• 5

  Avoid using tobacco products

  Avoid using tobacco products. Tobacco inflames the gum tissue, which can make an existing case of gum disease worse.

• 6

  Regular dental care is essential.

  See your dentist regularly. Dental visits should be scheduled every six months to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. The quicker gum disease symptoms are caught, the easier it will be to get help.