Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health conditions afflicting American adults. According to the CDC, roughly 47% of all adults over 30 and 70% of adults over 65 have had gum disease at some point. The condition also accounts for most cases of adult tooth loss. If you are living with periodontal disease, only a dentist can effectively treat the condition. However, you can do a number of things to stop it from spreading and eliminate some of the side effects, such as pain and inflammation.

How to Deal With Periodontal Disease

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to protect against the harmful effects of periodontal disease is through excellent oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day helps to eliminate plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of gums and teeth. This prevents gum disease from proliferating.

2. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, you should quit as soon as possible. In addition to being at a higher risk for periodontal disease, cigarette smokers find it harder to fight off infection.

3. Avoid Sugary Foods

Sugary foods and beverages, including candy and soft drinks, can aggravate your gum disease. These foods cause more plaque in your mouth, which can worsen an existing condition. Cutting them out of your diet can lead to improvement in the health of your teeth and gums.

4. Use Natural Remedies

Natural remedies can improve some of the symptoms of periodontitis. Rubbing clove oil or aloe vera over the teeth and gums has been shown  to reduce pain and inflammation in these areas. Herbs such as thyme don’t treat gum disease directly but can eliminate the bacteria in your mouth that cause the condition.

To learn more about what you can do to protect against periodontal disease, contact First Impressions Dentistry at (513) 772-8840. Located in Cincinnati, OH, this family dentistry has provided oral care to patients in the area for over 25 years. For a full list of services they provide, visit them online today.