Periodontal disease affects more of us than heart disease and diabetes! In fact, the CDC stated in a 2012 study that about half of American adults over age 30 have gum disease! Just like other medical conditions, the symptoms for them are hard to detect without the help of a trained eye.
Here are some common symptoms of periodontal disease that you might notice at home:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth or teeth that shift
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or teeth that look “long”
If you have periodontal surgery, follow these post operative instructions for a fast recovery.
- Relax and avoid strenuous activities for the first full 24 hours after your treatment.
- You can eat when you feel comfortable, but make sure to you extreme caution if part of your mouth is still numb.
- To control discomfort, take pain medication before the anesthetic wears off or as recommended. It’s normal to have some minor pain for a few days after surgery.
- Try not to take pain medication on an empty stomach or you might get a little nauseated.
- For the first 6 hours after surgery, apply an ice pack for 20 mixture intervals to decrease pain and swelling.
- After 24 hours, start rinsing 3 times a day with warm salt water. (1 tsp. salt per glass)
- Some light bleeding is normal for the first day or so. If it persists, apply firm pressure with a gauze pad or bite on a clean moist tea bag for 15-20 minutes.
- For a few days, stick to a soft diet that you can chew on comfortably or chew on the opposite side of the surgery if possible.
- The best way to maintain your dental health and your new investment is to visit the hygienist every 3-4 months to prevent tartar and bacterial infections.
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