Learning About The World Of Dentistry

More than 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal gum disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, it is called gingivitis or periodontitis. Most people have the more  mild form of this disease, gingivitis, which includes red gums, puffy or swollen gums or even mild bleeding in the gums. Unfortunately, if the mild form is not cared for and addressed, it can lead to the more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. If this happens, your gums can recede, causing your teeth to shift or even fall out. If your gums are starting to become red or irritated, there are a few home treatments you can try to remove the redness and irritation. Here are a few of these home treatments.

Salt Water

Salt is a natural disinfectant. This means that it can help kill any germs hiding in pockets between your teeth and in your gums, helping to get rid of the bacteria that can cause gingivitis. Salt also helps to lessen swelling in the gum tissues, helping to remove swelling and inflammation in the gums. When the swelling goes down, some of the bleeding you experience when you brush your teeth may also go down. Follow these steps to use a salt water mouthwash to treat your mild gingivitis:

1. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. It is important not to brush or floss too vigorously, or you can cause further gum inflammation.
2. Mix one cup of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of table salt. Stir until the salt dissolves in the mixture. Do not use hot water or you can burn your gums.
3. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for about a minute. Swish it around on your gums and in between teeth.
4. Spit the mixture out and rinse your mouth with cool water. Repeat this process day and night until your gums look healthy again.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Another way to improve your gum health is to brush with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. This helps to not only improve gingivitis, but can help to decrease the likelihood you will get sick and help to kill bacteria that causes cavities as well. Follow these directions to use hydrogen peroxide to improve your gum health:

1. Purchase your hydrogen peroxide. You can purchase either a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution at the drug store or a 35 percent food grade hydrogen peroxide at health food stores. Those who purchase the food grade version claim it tastes a little better. If you purchase the food grade version, you will need to dilute it. Mix one part of the hydrogen peroxide with 11 parts distilled water. If you purchase the drug store grade, it does not need to be diluted.
2. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
3. Dip your toothbrush into the hydrogen peroxide. Gently brush your teeth and gums. You may notice that it looks white along your gum line as you do so, or it begins to foam a little. This is normal and indicates the mixture is killing germs. However, the mixture should not burn. If it burns, you may have sensitive gums and should try diluting the mixture a bit more until you are comfortable with it on your gums.
4. Rinse your mouth with cool water to remove the hydrogen peroxide. Repeat this process up to three times a day.

Baking Soda

The last way you can improve your gum health by yourself is to use baking soda. Baking soda helps to kill germs and neutralize the pH balance in your mouth, making it inhospitable to bacteria and germs. Follow these steps to improve your gum health with baking soda:

1. Mix equal parts water and baking soda in a bowl to form a paste.
2. Rub the paste mixture on your gums. If desired, you can also apply it to your teeth to kill germs and help whiten your teeth. Allow it to sit on your gums until it begins to dry.
3. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.

If you notice your gums are beginning to look red, swollen or bleeding, you will want to care for them right away. Using salt, hydrogen peroxide or baking soda can help minor cases of gingivitis. However, if you notice that your gums aren't improving, or are worsening, you will want to get periodontal care from your dentist or a periodontist. If you wait too long, the disease can cause your gums to recede. Unfortunately, it can be difficult and costly to fix receded gums, so the sooner the issue is addressed, the better it will be for your mouth. For more information, contact a local dental clinic like The Family Dentist.