For periodontal disease, an electric toothbrush (sonic or oscillating-rotating) is generally best due to superior plaque removal and gum stimulation, with Philips Sonicare (gentler sonic action) and Oral-B (oscillating-rotating) being top-recommended brands, featuring pressure sensors and gum-friendly modes; however, the key is a soft-bristled head, gentle technique, and regular replacement, so consult your dentist for a personalized choice, potentially including interdental brushes for deep cleaning.
Choosing the right toothpaste can make a big difference in managing gum disease. Crest Gum Restore, Parodontax, and Sensodyne Complete Protection Sensitive Toothpaste each offer unique benefits for gum health, making them strong allies in oral care.
Periodontitis Management: Patients with more advanced gum disease benefit from the superior cleaning ability of electric toothbrushes as part of their comprehensive treatment plan. While professional treatment is essential, daily home care with electric brushes supports healing and helps prevent disease progression.
The only way to clean inside of a periodontal pocket is with regular flossing and/or the use of a water flosser. Unfortunately, floss does not get more than 2-3mm below the gum tissues.
If periodontitis isn't advanced, treatment may involve less invasive procedures, including:
Proper oral hygiene is the first line of defense against periodontal bacteria. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, thereby reducing the bacterial load in your mouth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that is small enough to reach all parts of your teeth and mouth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Use a fluoride toothpaste.
In addition to professional care, you can take several steps at home to help shrink gum pockets:
Periodontal Disease: This is the primary cause of perio breath. It involves inflammation and infection of the gums. Bacteria that get stuck in the pockets of the gums can create foul-smelling compounds.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
For effective at-home care and to help heal periodontal pockets, many dental professionals recommend using a WATERPIK water flosser, such as the Aquarius™ water flosser, equipped with the PIK POCKET tip, to deliver therapeutic mouth rinses deep into periodontal pockets.
Best Sonicare electric toothbrush for receding gums : DiamondClean Smart 9300 Sonic Electric Toothbrush. Best Oral-B electric toothbrush for receding gums : iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. Bestselling electric tooth brush for receding gums on Amazon : AquaSonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush.
In our study we noted that Parodontax® tooth paste significantly reduced plaque and gingival inflammation in established gingivitis and did not affect salivary pH. However, it did not show additional benefit when compared to Colgate® Herbal toothpaste.
The Best Toothpastes for Gum Disease in Australia
First on our list is TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse, specially-formulated to help treat periodontal disease. This mouthwash fights gingivitis for 24 hours after using and can help reduce the occurrence of gum disease and gum disease symptoms.
In extreme cases, periodontal pockets can reach 10mm or deeper, and at this point, will likely need to be treated with surgical treatments, like gum grafting, laser gum surgery or flap surgery.
Does scaling and planing during a dental deep cleaning hurt? SRP can cause some discomfort, so your dentist will likely use a local anesthetic to numb your gums. Afterward, your gums will probably be a bit tender, and may bleed slightly when you (gently) brush your teeth over the first few days following the procedure.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only good for your teeth; it's an excellent vitamin for gums, too. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in your gums healthy and strong, which hold your teeth in place—which means deficiencies can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, a normal cleaning won't be helpful. It can actually be harmful by allowing bacteria to remain trapped below your gums.
Symptoms of periodontitis can include: Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched.
When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth.
Code 1 – Slight bleeding when probed, no calculus or gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 3 – Calculus and Plaque present under the gum margin and gingival pockets between 3.5 – 5.5mm.
Within minutes of skipping brushing, bacteria in your mouth start feeding on leftover food. This creates plaque, a sticky film that coats your teeth. After a few hours, plaque starts producing acid that weakens enamel.