Gum Disease in Adults: Early Detection, Deep Cleaning Tips Beyond Brushing, and Treatment Options

Gum disease is one of the most common health conditions on the planet. Affecting almost 20% of the adult population, this bacterial infection can wreak havoc on anyone's smile. Without treatment, the worst-case scenarios are tooth loss and spreading infection!

Fortunately, this disease is also easy to reverse under the right conditions. With early detection, the right cleaning techniques, and the best toothpaste for gum disease, you can get rid of bacteria fast. Here's what you should know about treating gum disease at home and in the dentist's chair.

Early Detection Techniques for Gum Disease

If you're concerned that you have gum disease, it's crucial to know the symptoms. Early signs of gingivitis include the following:

Swollen gums
Red or dark purple gums
Tenderness around the gums, especially when touched
Bleeding, especially after brushing or flossing
A toothbrush that turns pink after brushing
Bad breath that won't go away after brushing
Sensitive teeth

Later, you might notice worsening symptoms. Receding gums or a visible buildup of tartar may signal that you've moved on to periodontitis, the more advanced stage of the disease.

If you notice any of these signs of gum disease, visit your local dentist right away. Often, routine cleaning can help address the early stages of gum disease.

Best Toothpaste for Gum Disease

If you're still in the gum disease prevention stages or your dentist has advised you to ramp up your oral hygiene, you'll need to focus on deep cleaning. This starts with your routine brushing habits.

Our best overall recommendation for patients with gum disease is switching to a toothpaste that focuses on gum health. If you have a kid with gum disease, your dentist may recommend a gum-friendly adult toothpaste until their treatment ends. If you're struggling to get your young child to accept the new toothpaste, ask your dentist for advice.

Overall, we recommend Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore, which is great for combating early signs of gingivitis. Because it targets plaque-causing bacteria around the gum line, it's a good way to strengthen your oral health.

For patients with bleeding gums, Paradontax is a good alternative. This toothpaste is clinically proven to target bacteria and help seal spaces between the teeth and gums.

Deep Cleaning Tips Beyond Brushing

In addition to brushing, which you should still do twice a day, here are some cleaning techniques for healthy gums.

Floss Your Teeth

Everyone knows they should floss their teeth, but many of our patients do not! If you've been skipping the floss, make sure to ingrain it as a daily habit for your oral health.

If you avoid flossing because it's a struggle, try other interdental cleaners. Pre-threaded floss picks and floss threaders, for example, might make this task a little easier for anyone who struggles to hold longer floss threads.

In some cases, interdental brushes may be ideal. For children with gum disease who have traditional braces, this option can help keep teeth cleaner.

Use Mouthwash

A good antibacterial mouthwash can help get rid of bacteria before it becomes plaque. Aim for an alcohol-free option to keep from drying out your mouth. Inadequate saliva keeps your body from rinsing bacteria from your teeth.

Try to use mouthwash before brushing to avoid getting rid of the fluoride in your toothpaste. You may also want to use mouthwash after midday meals or snacks.

For small children with gum disease, however, steer clear of mouthwash to avoid accidental swallowing.

Clean Your Tongue

You might be surprised to know that your tongue is an excellent hiding place for bacteria. Cleaning it can get rid of lingering bacteria, preventing it from attacking your gums.

To do this, try a tongue scraper. This simple tool is easy to use: drag it over your tongue to scrape away surface-level bacteria.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

For further gum disease management, you'll need to see a dentist. While it's possible to buy professional oral care kits online, you should never try scraping your teeth or gums to remove the plaque that causes your gum disease!

In addition to removing plaque during your routine cleaning, there are several treatment options your Friendswood dentist may offer.

Antibiotics

Your dentist may recommend topical or oral antibiotics. These medicines help get rid of bacterial infections. You may take the antibiotics at home, or your dentist may inject them into your gums during a procedure.

Tooth Scaling and Root Planing

If your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, scaling and planing may be necessary. These treatments are essentially professional deep cleaning. Their goal is to remove heavy tartar deposits that your dentist can't get rid of during your routine cleaning.

During tooth scaling, your dentist will chip tartar off of your teeth. They will often use a special vibrating tool or a manual scale.

During root planing, your dentist will do the same things beneath your gum line. To get access, they will pull your gums away from your teeth.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

Your dentist may recommend laser therapy after scaling and planing. With this option, they will use a laser to remove small amounts of tartar or smooth any rough spots on your teeth. Because they can use the laser above and below the gum line, it's a great way to get rid of bacteria or damaged tissue.

Traditional Periodontal Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be the only way to restore your healthy teeth. This is more likely if you've experienced severe damage to your teeth roots or gums. There are many options your dentist may recommend, though flap surgery and bone grafting are among the most common.

Improve Your Gum Health Today

With the best toothpaste for gum disease, the right cleaning tools, and professional treatment, you stand a much better chance of overcoming this frustrating condition.

At Dentistry 4 Children, our expert team is here to help patients find the right products and techniques to maintain their oral health. If you're struggling with gum disease, we'd love to answer your questions! Request an appointment to get the advice and compassionate care you need.

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.