How to cure gum disease without a dentist
Seeing a dentist in person is vital to cure gum disease. However, for several reasons, many people may struggle to get to a dentist. We asked the experts at RW Perio in London, how can people cure their gum disease if they can’t see a dentist?
Here’s what they had to say…
This blog post is brought to you by the gum disease specialists at RW Perio, a specialist gum disease clinic based in London.
Key headlines across the media show that a growing number of people are going without dental care in the UK alone, with figures being reported that nearly 22 million people went without dental care in the last 24 months.
In addition, skipping those crucial dental check-ups during the pandemic over the last couple of years has had a huge knock-on effect on us all – one that can lead to more than just a toothache.
Gum disease has the potential to affect anyone, of all ages
Several risk factors that can increase the chances of periodontal diseases include:
Smoking
Poor oral hygiene
Diabetes
Medication
Age
Hereditary links
Stress.
According to BUPA, 19% of the global adult population suffers from severe periodontal disease.
Regular dental checks are designed to spot underlying conditions such as Gum Disease – the most common disease in humans. Unlike tooth ache or sensitivity, gum disease often doesn't cause pain or discomfort, so even if you do spot some of the signs, such as red, swollen, bleeding or receding gums, you might not seek help as fast as you should.
But if gum disease is left untreated at the first stage of gingivitis, it can develop into periodontitis, which is much more serious and can lead to tooth loss.
Gum Disease has proven to be linked to dangerous health problems in other parts of your body and can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
A dedicated homecare regime to help cure gum disease
Below are 6 key tips to help treat your gum disease at home.
1 - Clean your gumline as well as your teeth
Many people seem only to clean their teeth. However, the key is the gum line as that’s where the bacteria get trapped. So, remember your teeth, tongue and gumline, and think of the mouth as a whole. If you’re going to use a mouth rinse, use it at a different time to brushing. They’re ideal to use throughout the day, for example, after lunch to freshen up.
2 - Use an electric toothbrush
I’d recommend buying an electric (rechargeable) toothbrush. These are far more effective at removing plaque because they’re designed to gently massage teeth and gums correctly - with many now having a pressure sensor that warns you if you’re pressing too hard.
You need to place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the spot where the gums and teeth meet, angle upwards for the upper teeth and downwards for the lower teeth.
Spend a few seconds per tooth. For those with established gum disease, you are likely to need more than 2 minutes.
3 - Use a fluoride toothpaste
Always use a toothpaste containing fluoride. If you have specific issues e.g. tooth sensitivity, find a toothpaste which helps tackle this. Always spit and don’t rinse out your mouth after using the toothpaste or it will wash away all the ‘good stuff’!
4 - Clean in between your teeth with interdental brushes
Cleaning between your teeth is essential. If you don’t it’s a bit like only washing one side of a dirty dish and then using it again. You need to clean all surfaces. Interdental brushes are ideal but if they don’t fit then use floss. Once a day is key.
5 - Use mouthwash carefully
Mouthwash is great as a breath freshener but should be used at a different time to brushing or it will wash away all the ‘good stuff’ in the toothpaste.
6 - Clean your tongue
Tongue scraping/cleaning can be a helpful part of your oral healthcare regime. The tongue is made up of lots of little crypts, which can harbour bacteria and debris. If these are not regularly removed, a tongue coating forms and this is one of the biggest causes of bad breath.
Following the key tips outlined above will help you managhe your gum disease at home.
Regular dental check-ups remain essential for catching underlying conditions early and maintaining overall oral health.
Prioritising dental care is not just about preventing toothaches; it's about safeguarding your overall health and well-being. So, take these steps to ensure your smile remains healthy and bright.
RW Perio is a specialist Gum Disease clinic located in Central London.
Designed with a highly personalised specialist periodontist set-up, all periodontal treatment at RW Perio is administered to the specialist periodontist prescription of the UK’s leading Gum/Periodontal Specialists and our team of Advanced Hygienists all have the sought-after Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontics.
