How To Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the tissues and bone that support teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose and or fall out.
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible layer of germs that form naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.
Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. That's why brushing and flossing every day and regular trips to the dentist are so important.

Classification

In 1999 the classification system of periodontal disease and conditions listed seven major categories of periodontal disease, of which 2-6 are termed destructive periodontal disease because the damage is irreversible. The seven categories are as follows.
Gingivitis
Chronic periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis
Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease
Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
Abscesses of the periodontium
Combined periodontic-endodontic lesions.

If you have gum disease you are not alone. Many of us have some form of the disease. It ranges from simple gum inflammation to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting teeth. In the worst cases, you can lose teeth. The best way to treat gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene, although additional dental and medical treatments are sometimes necessary. Following are some of the most effective ways to treat gum disease efficiently.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil may acid in the treatment of gingivitis, according to a report published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews in 2006. If you are thinking of using tea tree oil for gum health, choose a toothpaste that contains essential oil as an ingredient. Ingesting undiluted tea tree oil can be toxic.

• Cranberry

Some research shows that cranberry may help thwart gum disease by preventing bacteria from sticking to your teeth. What's more, a preliminary study published in the journal of periodontal research in 2013 suggests that compounds found in cranberry may help regulate periodontitis-related inflammation.

• Using Honey

Honey has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so you can put it to work treating your infected gums. Once you brush your teeth, rub a small amount of honey on the problem area of your gums.

• Vitamin C-rich foods

There is some evidence that vitamin c could play a role in protecting gum health. It's not just lemons that can help with gum problems, but also other foods full of vitamin c such as oranges, grapes, guava, kiwi mango, papaya, bell peppers, and strawberry. Vitamin C is antioxidant, and antioxidants are found to promote connective tissue growth and bone regeneration, which can be affected by various gum problems.

• Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine or hexetidine are available over the counter from the pharmacies. Mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide may be prescribed to treat ANUG. Chlorhexidine mouthwashes are available over the counter, though they may be not effective as a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria when used as a mouthwash or as a gel in a custom fitted tray, but it can not be swallowed.
You should always read the instructions before using mouthwash. Some types may need to be diluted in water before they are taken.

• Scaling and Root Planning

It is also known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, or a deep cleaning. It involves removing or eliminating the etiologic agents-dental plaque, its products, and calculus which causes inflammation, thus helping to establish a periodontium that is free of disease.