Getting treatment for gum disease is not fun. It does not matter what kind of treatment you have to get. Whether it is cleaning, scaling and root planing or surgery, no one wants to go through with it more than once. The key to the success of any treatment for gum disease depends on what you do during recovery from the treatment. The best thing that you can do is to practice safe and correct oral hygiene. This is what that means.
The Basics of Good Oral Hygiene
The key to healthy teeth and gums is good oral hygiene practices. But what does that mean. Children learn that they need to brush their teeth every day, but there is more to good oral hygiene than that. These are the practices we recommend for everyone to do if they want healthy teeth and gums.
- Brushing should occur twice a day. It is good to brush with some force, but not too much. It is also important to use a toothpaste with fluoride. Change out your toothbrushes regularly to make sure they are not worn out.
- Flossing – Floss at least once a day. Ask your dental professional to show you the proper technique for flossing.
- Smoking – Avoid tobacco use whenever possible.
- Diet – Follow a healthy diet. Use moderation when it comes to food that are sticky, sugary or acidic.
- Dental Visits – Visit our dental offices twice a year for regular checkups and professional cleaning.
During Recovery from Gum Disease
All the habits above can help during the recovery from gum disease, but there are some things to know. When brushing the teeth during recovery, use a softer toothbrush. This should continue for 2-4 weeks after the treatment. Continue to floss, but take care to be less forceful. If you do need to smoke, do not do it for 2-4 days after the treatment. Avoid all acidic, sticky and sugary foods for the first few days of recovery.
Follow up with our dental professionals as recommended. Learn the signs of infections or other problems that can occur after treatment.
If you do not know how to practice good oral hygiene or if you notice any signs of infection after gum disease treatment, contact the professionals at our office right away.
