Gum disease

Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the tissues around your teeth. Gingivitis affects the gums without loss of tooth support. Periodontitis involves damage to the tissues and bone that hold teeth in place. A dental exam is needed to tell which stage you have and what care you need.

Bleeding when you brush or floss can be an early sign of gum disease, but it is not the only possible cause. Brushing too hard, some medicines, and other health problems can also cause bleeding. Repeated bleeding needs a dental exam, even if your gums do not hurt.

Anyone can develop gum disease, but smoking, diabetes, and plaque buildup raise the risk. Family history, dry mouth, some medicines, and hormone changes can also play a role. A dentist should review your health history and examine your gums rather than judge your risk from symptoms alone.

Gum disease treatment depends on its stage. Professional cleaning and daily home care may be enough for gingivitis. Periodontitis may need deep cleaning, follow-up care, or surgery. Results vary. A rinse can be part of treatment, but it cannot remove tartar or replace care from a dental professional.

Chlorhexidine is a prescription antimicrobial rinse that may be used alongside dental cleaning and home care for gum disease. It helps reduce certain bacteria and gum inflammation. Results vary. It does not remove tartar or repair lost bone. A licensed dentist in your state decides whether it is appropriate.

Use a prescribed gum disease rinse exactly as the label and your dentist direct. Measure the dose, rinse for the stated time, and spit it out. Do not swallow it. The dose, timing around brushing, and treatment length depend on the product, so do not guess or share it.

Chlorhexidine rinse can cause staining of teeth or the tongue, changes in taste, mouth irritation, and more tartar buildup. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Stop using it and seek emergency help for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your dentist about other reactions.

For gum disease, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day. Use a soft-bristle brush and gentle pressure. Keep scheduled dental cleanings, and use prescription rinses only as directed. Home care may help control inflammation, but it cannot remove tartar. Results vary.

The time it takes for gum disease to improve depends on its stage, your health, and the care you receive. Results vary. Less bleeding does not prove that deeper disease is controlled. Follow your dentist’s plan, and do not stop or extend a prescribed rinse without checking first.

Gum disease needs an in-person dental exam to assess gum pockets, tartar, and possible bone loss. Seek urgent dental care for pus, fever with dental symptoms, facial swelling, or worsening pain. Trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency. Online care cannot provide cleanings, X-rays, drainage, or other dental procedures.