Three Solutions That Can Help With Poor Periodontic Health

Periodontists addresse issues with your gums. When you have periodontal disease, gingivitis, and/or inflamed gums, there are only so many ways to treat and fix these issues. For starters, you will have to visit a periodontist, a dental specialist that addresses these problems. In the meantime, there are some oral solutions that can help slow the progression of your gum problems or halt it enough that the periodontist can get a better look or sample of the worst of it.

Hydrogen Peroxide

You can purchase hydrogen peroxide from most pharmacies. It is a disinfectant, so it is able to kill some bacteria as well as some viruses. Since bacteria typically cause gum disease killing them with peroxide can help slow the problem down. Peroxide is also relatively cheap, costing only a couple of dollars per bottle.

Medicated, Over-the-Counter Mouthwash

Generally, an OTC or "over-the-counter" mouthwash has some level of antiseptic in it. Usually in the form of rubbing alcohol, this antiseptic is in small amounts so that it cannot hurt you if you accidentally swallow a little of it. When the mouthwash is labeled "medicated," it means that there is a higher concentration of alcohol in the mouthwash in order to kill more bacteria than just regular mouthwash. It is pretty powerful in the treatment of periodontal diseases.

Oral Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is found in some topical oral gels. It is both bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory, which means that it can prevent the growth of bacteria while preventing the pain and swollen tissues associated with gum disease. For best results, you should rub it on and into your gum tissues using a cotton swab for each couple of teeth. Use a moderate to generous amount on the cotton swab. At the very least, it slows the progression of your gum issues and numbs the pain you may feel. At the most, it could reverse the swelling and stop your gum issues in their tracks.

Oral salicylic acid may be purchased in various forms at pharmacies, but you will need to check the tubes and bottles in the oral care and dental hygiene aisle to find the correct product. It is more costly than mouthwash, but it can really help with the most extreme cases of gum disease. Stronger prescription versions may be available from the periodontist after your initial visit, but only if the periodontist feels if that would be the right treatment for you.

To learn more about the best ways to treat your gum disease, speak with a dental specialist like those represented at http://www.thefamilydentist-lakeland.com.