A member asked:

Please share a tip on some do's and don'ts with regard to gum disease.

102 doctors weighed in across 130 answers
Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Eat: Eat healthy and avoid sticky, starchy foods and snacks that promote tooth decay and gum disease.

Answered 1/7/2014

5.3k views

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Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

People: People with gum disease should have their teeth cleaned every 3 months.

Answered 7/12/2013

5.3k views

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If: If you have gum disease good oral hygiene is essestial. See a dental hygienist 3 or 4 times a year.

Answered 3/9/2018

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Clean: Clean between your teeth. Most decay and most gum disease starts in areas a toothbrush can't reach.

Answered 4/8/2014

5.3k views

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Dr. Hetesh Ranchod -- Dr. Ranch answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Gum: Gum disease will result in loose and lost teeth if not treated in time, so do not ignore it.

Answered 5/19/2014

5.2k views

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Dr. Hetesh Ranchod -- Dr. Ranch answered

Specializes in Dentistry

If: If your gums bleed when you brush or eat, see your dentist as this is a symptom of gum disease.

Answered 7/23/2014

5.2k views

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Gum: Gum disease can be treated non-surgically.

Answered 6/9/2013

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Gum: Gum disease can be treated with lasers.

Answered 4/4/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Gum: Gum disease can be prevented or treated, so see your dentist every 6 months for a checkup.

Answered 7/26/2013

5.2k views

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Use: Use floss or water pik daily to prevent cavities ; gum disease where toothbrush can't reach.

Answered 3/1/2014

5.2k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Brush: Brush and floss, use antiseptic mouthwash, eat healthy-avoiding sugary/sticky foods, regular visits.

Answered 9/29/2016

5.2k views

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The: The earlier you get diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.

Answered 7/4/2013

5.2k views

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Don't: Don't avoid treatment. Sooner treated the better.

Answered 4/9/2013

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Only: Only floss the teeth you want to keep.

Answered 6/3/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

When: When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis so brush, floss and see a dentist.

Answered 3/23/2014

5.2k views

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Gum: Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. Be examined for and treated prior to getting pregnant.

Answered 11/10/2014

5.2k views

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Dr. Brian Hoffman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Floss: Floss regularly. See dentist every 6 months. Brush gently in small circles. Maybe use a waterpik.

Answered 6/4/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Brian Hoffman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Do: Do floss nightly. Do gently brush gums. Don't miss your cleanings. Don't eat or drink lots of sugar.

Answered 6/12/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Brian Hoffman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Change: Change what you used to do, let good habits overtake bad ones. Stop tobacco. Have regular cleanings.

Answered 5/20/2014

5.2k views

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Dr. Abraham Jaskiel answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Don't: Don't be lazy, get up and brush, even when your really tired.

Answered 7/3/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Abraham Jaskiel answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Don't: Don't think it is normal to have a lot of white buid up around your teeth, this causes damage.

Answered 6/21/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Abraham Jaskiel answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Eating: Eating nuts creates a lot of buildup under the gums, brush them frequently.

Answered 7/13/2013

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Flossing: Flossing before brushing instead of after makes it easier to remember to do once it becomes a habit.

Answered 4/24/2014

5.2k views

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Perio: Perio protect system is a great non-surgical aid.

Answered 9/29/2016

5.2k views

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If: If you aim for twice a day flossing, you still remove plaque in a 24 hour window if you miss a time.

Answered 12/10/2013

5.2k views

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Most: Most people who aim for once a day flossing end up only 3-5 times a week. Its not enough.

Answered 4/29/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Gregory LaMorte answered

Specializes in Periodontics

Prevention: Prevention is the cheapest treatment. Brush and floss daily.

Answered 9/29/2016

5.1k views

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Dr. Gregory LaMorte answered

Specializes in Periodontics

Scientific: Scientific studies show that patients with gum disease do best with cleanings every three months.

Answered 3/17/2014

5.1k views

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Take: Take vitamin c. Use a waterpick. Rinse with mouthwash or even water if on the run.

Answered 12/9/2013

5.1k views

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Seek: Seek care of a periodontist so you can live life without gum disease.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Use: Use sonic toothbrush after discussing it with your dentist.

Answered 4/23/2014

5.1k views

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Brush: Brush your gums as well as your teeth in the morning as well as before bed. Then mouthwash!

Answered 6/25/2013

5k views

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Deep: Deep root cleaning, under local anesthesia, is effective. Antibiotic floss imbedded after cleaning.

Answered 6/25/2013

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Dr. Steven Koos answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

You: You don't have to nor should live with gum disease. Very treatable with home care, office treatment.

Answered 6/30/2013

5k views

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Dr. Steven Koos answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Don't: Don't wait to intervene and treat - more advanced cases are more difficult to treat & are damaging.

Answered 6/29/2013

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Don't: Don't share utensils or oral health equipment with someone in your family who has gum disease.

Answered 12/10/2013

5k views

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Personal: Personal oral hygiene is simply not enough to fight off periodontal disease.

Answered 10/7/2014

5k views

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Medications: Medications may be used with treatments like scaling and root planing to help with your gum disease.

Answered 3/30/2014

5k views

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Dr. Daniel Kessler answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Make: Make sure you obtain adequate vitamin c as it stabilizes gums and teeth. Avoid smoking as well!

Answered 4/12/2014

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Dr. Daniel Kessler answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Do:: Do: floss daily and brush your teeth. Dont: no smoking, and avoid sodas!

Answered 1/4/2015

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Have: Have teeth cleaned on a regular basis key. Then use waterpik.

Answered 7/23/2013

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

They: They have disposable tooth brushes. Comes with someone who will brush your teeth for you. Really?

Answered 7/24/2013

5k views

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

To: See the dental hygienist and get your teeth cleaned at the gum line. Review proper teeth brushing.

Answered 10/30/2013

5k views

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The: The majority of the population has some form of gum disease. Do good homecare and see your dentist.

Answered 2/1/2017

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See: See your dentist or hygienist from 2 times to 4 times a year, depending on your current condition.

Answered 3/26/2014

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Electric: Electric toothbrush, floss, and a hydrofloss.

Answered 12/9/2013

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See: See dentist regularly. Make sure to brush teeth 2x/daily and floss no less than 1x/day. Fix teeth.

Answered 8/18/2013

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Fix: Fix bad teeth. Get ultrasonic toothbrush and use it. Get check ups 2x/year or as recommended.

Answered 8/18/2013

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Get: Get dental checks no less than 2x/year. Fix bad teeth. Brush 2x/daily and floss no less than 1x/da.

Answered 8/18/2013

4.9k views

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Not: Not only our pleasure, our joy and laughter but also our sorrow, our pain, grief and tears arise brain.

Answered 8/18/2013

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In: In hands of skilled orthodontic specialist, braces more than twice as effective as clear aligners.

Answered 3/7/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

Poor: Poor oral health linked to risk of oral hpv infection & mouth and colon cancer.

Answered 8/25/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

Eat: Eating sweets - just rinse or brush so teeth don't bathe in the sugary residue.

Answered 9/18/2014

4.9k views

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Follow: Follow daily oral hygiene of brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. Rinse your mouth procare.

Answered 3/1/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Brush,: Brush, floss, and rinse with tooth rinse to prevent gum disease.

Answered 1/27/2014

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Regular: Regular dental cleanings combined with brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease.

Answered 1/21/2014

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Brush,: Brush, floss, and rinse twice per day.

Answered 4/29/2016

4.9k views

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Don't: Don't breath directly in someone's face while you are recovering from gum disease.

Answered 1/11/2014

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

A: A special deep cleaning at the dentist's or periodontist's office may be necessary.

Answered 12/4/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Mild: Mild gum disease can be cured at home with brushing, flossing, and a good tooth rinse.

Answered 11/1/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Daniel Kessler answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Do: Do floss daily and visit your dentist every 6 months dont smoke.

Answered 8/31/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Bleeding: Bleeding gums when brushing are a sign of gum disease. Don't stop brushing and see your dentist asap.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Steven Koos answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

After: After brushing normally, take an additional minute to brush with an antiseptic mouthwash & sonicare.

Answered 9/28/2016

4.9k views

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Dr. Peter Karsant answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Frequent: Frequent professional cleanings, excellent brushing/flossing/proxy brushing at home, use rx rinse.

Answered 9/5/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. J. Blake Perkins answered

Specializes in Dentistry

DO: Do brush twice a day and use an antibacterial oral rinse. Don't brush the teeth you want to lose!

Answered 9/5/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. J. Blake Perkins answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Gum: Gum disease won't go away on its own. You have to own your mouth and care for it daily!

Answered 3/2/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. Reed Day answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

DO: Do brush and floss twice a day don't stay away from the dentist.

Answered 12/9/2013

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Dr. Reed Day answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Gum: Gum disease isn't genetic but rather can be controlled with excellent hygiene. It is not contagious.

Answered 1/30/2016

4.9k views

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Dr. Young Choi answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Flossing: Flossing is great for oral hygiene and preventing gum disease. However, it tends to be overlooked.

Answered 3/1/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Best: Best treated by early by a periodontist or skilled general dentist. Don't avoid regular checkups!

Answered 12/9/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Routine: Routine prevention visits to your dental professional may be 2x, 3x or even 4x yearly. Do as require.

Answered 1/20/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

You: You must always be vigilant! perfect home oral hygiene and as many professional cleanings as needed.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Steven Koos answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Use: Use tea tree oil by putting one drop on top of your normal toothpaste whenever you brush your teeth.

Answered 3/22/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Don't: Don't ever forget that daily flossing is a key component to excellent home care stopping gum disease.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

When: When doing a full mouth scaling & root planning is the best time to apply arrestin as an adjunct.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Zahid Niazi answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Surgery

Oscillating: Oscillating tooth brush heads help clean gum lines better than static brushes.

Answered 4/3/2016

4.9k views

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Dr. Zahid Niazi answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Surgery

Regular: Regular flossing and brushing maintains a healthy gum.

Answered 1/14/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. Su Fairchild answered

Specializes in Integrative Medicine

Brushing: Brushing with msm powder can help gums heal.

Answered 11/29/2013

4.9k views

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Pain,: Pain, bleeding, or swelling? Don't wait. Do get it checked.

Answered 9/12/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

If: It's a myth that: if i brush my teeth everyday i won't have disease.

Answered 3/17/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Consider: Consider seriously getting your entire mouth done at once. As it is in infection, get it all removed.

Answered 12/9/2013

4.9k views

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Do: Do brush & floss daily to get rid of plaques.Don't let it progressed 2 gingivitis, periodontitis, inf.

Answered 7/29/2014

4.9k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Follow: Follow dentist advise on cleaning , flossing, and use of special products. Get regular dental care.

Answered 6/21/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Brushing,: Brushing, flossing and regular dental care help prevent gum disease.

Answered 6/22/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Special: Special rinses and toothpaste and grafts if severe.

Answered 6/21/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Gum: It's a myth that: gum disease is rare and not that important anyway.

Answered 11/30/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

You: You will most probably need to see your dentist more than 2x per year! 3 to 4 times a year!

Answered 12/9/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Brush: Brush and floss 2x a day, eat healthy foods, and visit your dentist at least twice a year...

Answered 7/28/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Do: Do visit your dentist twice a year and don't ignore your teeth... They'll go away.

Answered 8/4/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. Scott Bobbitt answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Commit: Commit to daily home care, quit smoking, a night-guard, regular dental hygiene and exams.

Answered 11/30/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Scott Bobbitt answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ultrasonics: Ultrasonics and laser instruments can deliver excellent non-surgical therapy.

Answered 12/4/2013

4.9k views

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Brush: Brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time and floss before you go to bed.

Answered 2/16/2014

4.8k views

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Dr. Zahid Niazi answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Surgery

Bleeding: Bleeding gums- a sign of poor hygiene. Treat by flossing, using mouth wash and brushing twice daily.

Answered 8/9/2015

4.8k views

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Good: Good systemic health and maintaining good oral hygiene will help keep this condition stable.

Answered 11/9/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Sam Markzar answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Periodontics

Treatments: Treatments of gum diseases are planned according to the severity of them (non-surgical vs. Surgical).

Answered 10/3/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Sam Markzar answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Periodontics

Thorough: Thorough & adequate home care, along with routine periodontal check ups (with probing) are the keys.

Answered 10/3/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Sam Markzar answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Periodontics

Thorough: Thorough home care, rinse or even brush w./ salt water. (yes..Brush!), & see ur dentist every 3 month.

Answered 10/23/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Sam Markzar answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Periodontics

With: With severe gum disease, do seek referral to a periodontist from ur generalist.Do not delay gum txs.

Answered 9/26/2016

4.8k views

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

If: If you have gum disease than you need frequent dental visits with proper home care.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.8k views

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Rinse: Rinse your. Mouth with water after drinking any sugary drinks.

Answered 10/4/2015

4.8k views

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Ignore: Use a good electric tooth brush and gargle with peroxide.

Answered 11/16/2013

4.7k views

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Ignore: Soft bristle toothbrush, floss, water pick, rinse with baking soda solution.

Answered 11/17/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Don't brush too hard. Use a soft bristle brush the right size for your mouth. Before bed!floss 2.

Answered 11/23/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Robert Devin answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ignore: Brush 3/4 times/day, floss daily. Switch from regular Fluoride toothpaste to baking soda type weekly.

Answered 4/24/2015

4.7k views

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Dr. Don Millner answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

Don't: Don't expect gum issues to heal without daily interdental cleaning. Do floss or proxabrush daily!

Answered 11/24/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Manami Yamaguchi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ignore: The most important thing is to have an evaluation. Treatment depends of types ; degrees of disease.

Answered 11/27/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Manami Yamaguchi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ignore: Keep doctor's advice on professional ; home maintenance care: brush ; floss, keep regular appt.

Answered 11/27/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Manami Yamaguchi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ignore: Do not miss regular visit with hygienist. Everyday, brush ; floss. Have all family members checked.

Answered 11/27/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Manami Yamaguchi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ignore: Do: have your spouse/partner checked also. Don't: skip your next hygiene appointment!

Answered 11/27/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Daniel Rubenstein answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Gum disease: Gum disease can be controlled. Follow the advice of your dentist, periodontist, and dental hygienist. Maintain all follow-up appointments. Brush and floss thoroughly.

Answered 11/27/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Jane Steiner answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Ignore: Floss your teeth every day. Don't skip a day.

Answered 4/13/2016

4.7k views

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Ignore: Gum disease is treatable, seeing your dentist, periodontist and hygienist 4x/year is a good start.

Answered 12/7/2013

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Ignore: The habit of regularity (visits to the dr, homecare regimen..) is the best prevention method period.

Answered 12/7/2013

4.7k views

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Brushing: Brushing with hard and medium brushes can damage your gums and teeth. Use soft or extra soft only!

Answered 12/10/2013

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Ignore: Regular daily cleaning + regular balanced diet in moderation + vit c = good dental/gum care.

Answered 12/25/2013

4.7k views

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Ignore: Regular brushing ; flossing, at least twice a day, certainly after eating. Vit c is helpful as well.

Answered 12/28/2013

4.6k views

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Do: Do use the edge of your toothbrush to clean the line where your gum and your teeth, inside and out.

Answered 12/31/2013

4.6k views

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Dr. John Lann answered

Ignore: Gum disease is most often asymptomatic. It is never cured. It is maintained by seeing your dentist.

Answered 11/10/2015

4.6k views

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Ignore: Keeping teeth clean by brushing and flossing daily is one of the easiest ways to treat gum disease.

Answered 1/9/2014

4.6k views

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Ignore: See your dentist regularly to keep your gums healthy. You will identify gum disease much earlier.

Answered 1/9/2014

4.6k views

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Dr. Creighton Wright answered

Specializes in surgery

Ignore: Get treated floss, brush, mouthwash, and. Dental care! pus, drainage, infection are very dangerous.

Answered 1/27/2014

4.5k views

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Dr. Hesham Hassaballa answered

Specializes in Pulmonary Critical Care

Ignore: Brush twice a day. Floss once a day. Alcohol free mouthwashes also can help.

Answered 1/31/2014

4.5k views

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Dr. Paul Grin answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Ignore: Perio protect® has been a the gentle, yet effective way to fight the bacteria cause gum disease.

Answered 1/31/2014

4.5k views

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Ignore: Daily brushing and flossing is the best preventive for gum disease, along with regular checkups.

Answered 2/1/2014

4.5k views

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Ignore: Periodontal disease is not curable its manageable with thorough homecare and regular checkups.

Answered 2/1/2014

4.5k views

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Ignore: Get educated, meticulous home care, maintanence and evaluation with a dentist.. All are necessary.

Answered 9/29/2016

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Ignore: Regular brushing and flossing are a must, twice yearly cleanings at the dentist.

Answered 2/8/2014

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Ignore: Do floss at least twice a day, do get cleanings every 3 months, do brush your gums and your teeth.

Answered 4/15/2014

4.2k views

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Ignore: Use a rotary electric toothbrush like crest spin brush n floss daily between regular visits.

Answered 4/26/2014

4.1k views

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Dr. Joel Teig answered

Ignore: Do see your dentist for cleaning and exam 2 x per year. Brush and floss 2x per day.

Answered 6/4/2018

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