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Create a patient accountHave an account? Sign in hereGum disease more commonly known as Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is caused by bacterial plaque, a thin sticky layer that collects at the gum line when there is a lack of daily oral hygiene. When gum disease is not taken care of right away, it can lead to more serious problems.
There are several warning signs to look out for that could lead to gum disease: Gums that bleed easily when brushing Persistent bad breath Permanent teeth that are loose or separating Gums that been receding away from the teeth
To treat gum disease without a dentist, it’s important to adopt good oral hygiene habits daily. Use floss to clean between the teeth, in spaces that the toothbrush cannot easily get to.
Take extra care when cleaning areas of uneven surfaces such as cooked teeth, fillings and crowns.
After brushing, use an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent bacteria from growing and reduce any inflammatory reaction in the mouth.
Tartar is a plaque that has become hard on the teeth. It can also start to form beneath the gum line and irritate the gum tissues. If you drink tea or coffee, you are more likely to develop tartar on your teeth.
There are ways to get rid of tartar naturally that are worth trying.
Baking Soda can help soften tartar’s structure and neutralize bacterial acid. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in your toothpaste solution. Apply the mixture to your teeth and let sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Vinegar can cut through tartar. Rinse with a mixture of vinegar and salt water for a few minutes, then rinse
Another option is oil pulling with coconut oil which has the benefit of teeth protection. Add some to water and gargle for 5-10 minutes, then spit it out.
If these methods do not work, do not hesitate to visit a dentist.
A dental abscess, also known as a tooth abscess, is a pus-filled infection that develops inside the teeth or gums. Rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water, gargle for 2 minutes then spit it out. Using oregano essential oil: Add a few drops of oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil. Add a few drops to a cotton ball and apply to the affected area for 2-3 minutes. Wait 10 minutes for the mixture to settle before spitting it out. Applying ice can actually counteract the discomfort and inflammation. Put a few ice cubes in a dry cloth and compress it to the affected area for 15 minutes.
If the pain and discomfort do not subside, visit a dentist.
Most dentists recommend that people visit the dentist every 6 months. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, it might be a good idea to have cleanings every 4 months if your teeth have not been taken care of very well.
For children, it is also recommended that they visit a dentist every 6 months, beginning approximately 6 months after the first tooth emerges.
Each province has varying suggested rates for dental cleaning. If you don’t have health insurance that fully covers a 30-minute cleaning. A cleaning in Nova Scotia costs $86, $140 in Alberta, $91 in British Columbia, and $115 in Ontario.