Periodontitis is a condition where the gums around your teeth have become infected with bacteria.  Bacteria is always living and growing in your mouth, but when you brush and floss properly it usually stays on the surface of your teeth and gums.  If it manages to get caught in between your teeth and gums it can lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis, and at that stage, it can eat away at your teeth gums, and jawbone.

The best thing to do when you notice symptoms of periodontitis is to see your dentist, but even after you’ve done that it can take a while for the condition to clear up.  Until it does, there are things you can do at home to improve your condition or at least prevent things from getting worse.  So if you’re suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis right now, be sure you follow this advice at least until the disease clears up.

1. Use An Antibacterial Mouthwash

Mouthwashes can have some issues, which is why not all dentists recommend using it.  However, when you’re currently suffering from periodontitis it’s a good idea to do what you can to cut down on the number of bacteria in your mouth.  Antibacterial mouthwash is a great way of doing that, especially since it can reach parts of your mouth that a brush and floss can’t.  However, you should also keep in mind that alcohol-based mouthwash can cause dry mouth if you use it too much, and dry mouth can make a mouth infection worse.

2. Brush Carefully

If you don’t brush, you aren’t removing the layer of plaque and bacteria that builds up on your teeth over time.  However, it’s also possible that you might be brushing too hard.  Brushing too hard can damage your gums, especially if they’re swollen and inflamed from a bacterial infection.  Fortunately, you can find a special toothbrush for gum disease that bends back so that you always know when you’re applying the right amount of pressure.

3. Floss Thoroughly

While mouthwash can reach small spaces, you need something like floss to push the plaque and bacteria out of these spaces.  Many people don’t get much benefit from flossing, but that’s only because they aren’t as thorough as they need to be.  Good flossing technique should involve rubbing against the base of both teeth when you push it into a gap and be sure to keep flossing until you get rid of all the food trapped in those spaces.  If you have trouble with regular floss, floss picks are much easier to use and convenient enough to carry around.

Periodontitis is a serious condition that can lead to permanent damage to your teeth or lost teeth.  If you leave it untreated for too long the infection can even spread into the rest of your body.  That’s why it’s important to visit a dentist when you notice symptoms like bad breath and puffy, red gums.  You should also get a good toothbrush for gum disease like the Zent Flex, and you can use it for regular brushing and teaching kids.