Preventing gum disease starts with a strong daily oral hygiene routine at home. Key elements include:– Electric toothbrushes are generally more effective at removing plaque from the teeth and along the gumline. – Each patient should ask their dentist whether an electric or manual brush is better for their specific needs, then use it twice a day: two minutes in the morning and two minutes in the evening. – Fluoride toothpaste helps fight disease‑causing bacteria and strengthens tooth enamel. – Using a toothpaste formulated specifically for gum health can provide extra protection against gum disease.A toothbrush alone cannot clean effectively between the teeth, so flossing is essential for maintaining oral health. Skipping flossing is one of the most common reasons gum disease develops in many people.An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and kill harmful bacteria in hard‑to‑reach areas, such as parts of the cheeks, tongue, and below the gumline.Diet has an immediate impact on oral health. Sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria that cause gum disease. To help prevent gum problems, patients are encouraged to eat more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, and dairy products like cheese and yogurt, as well as fibrous foods such as spinach and broccoli, while reducing their intake of bread, sweets, and acidic foods.Sipping coffee, tea, or soda throughout the day can harm oral health, as these drinks often contain large amounts of sugar. Drinking water helps rinse sugars away from the teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks, reducing the risk of gum disease.Habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and even nail biting can damage gum health. Patients should make every effort to quit these habits as soon as possible to protect their teeth and gums from further harm.During a routine six‑month dental visit, the dentist examines the teeth and gums and performs a thorough cleaning. This not only helps prevent gum disease, but also allows early detection when the condition is still reversible.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Common treatment options for gum disease include:– Certain antibiotics can help reduce inflammation and eliminate infection so that the gum tissues can heal.– Scaling and root planing, often called “deep cleaning,” is a two‑step procedure. Scaling removes tartar from above and below the gumline using a metal scaler or an ultrasonic scaling device. Root planing smooths the tooth roots to help the gum tissue reattach more easily.– Gum graft surgery may be needed if there is significant gum recession. This can involve using tissue from another area of the patient’s mouth or donor tissue. Once placed, the graft encourages the patient’s natural gum tissue to grow and reattach.– Pocket reduction surgery (also known as flap surgery) involves lifting the gum tissue to remove tartar from below the gumline and then reducing the depth of the periodontal pockets before repositioning and securing the tissues.If it has been more than six months since the last dental visit, patients should not delay further. The team at Batal Dental Center in Saudi Arabia is ready to help prevent or treat gum disease.As with any dental procedure, visiting Batal Dental Center in Saudi Arabia is recommended, as the clinic is staffed with experienced, fully qualified dental professionals.The dental clinic at Batal Specialty Complex is equipped with advanced tools and devices to help anyone suffering from tooth pain get relief in the hands of highly skilled dentists. Patients are encouraged to book an appointment at the dental clinic of Batal Specialty Complex as soon as possible.
