Coping with gum disease

When gum disease strikes, you have to roll up your sleeves and start working on it. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If it's just a little gingivitis, a good cleaning and some better brushing habits may do the trick. Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to really get in there and remove all the gunk. For more severe cases of periodontitis, you may need something more serious like antibiotics, lasers, or even some surgery to fix the problem. Following your dentist's recommendations and maintaining oral hygiene are key to ensuring that gum disease doesn't come back to haunt you. By being aware of gum disease and taking good care of your mouth, you can maintain a bright smile for years to come.