How You Can Address Bleeding Gums Until We Can See You

If you have gum disease, but make an appointment with us, you may wonder how to deal with the problem, until you can see us. Usually, using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help until we can review the condition and plan a course of treatment.

What Is an Antimicrobial Mouthwash?

One of the worst types of mouth rinses you can use to fight gum disease is one that contains alcohol. This type of mouthwash is not an antimicrobial mouthwash, as it does not fight the germs that cause gum disease. Rather, it is used, more often, to mask bad breath. Alcohol is a drying ingredient. Therefore, it dries out the mouth, which throws off the balance of good bacteria in the mouth – a balance that is needed to support good dental health. An antimicrobial mouthwash is also called a therapeutic mouthwash.

How the ADA Defines Therapeutic Mouth Rinses

Therapeutic mouthwashes only contain ingredients that help in controlling bad breath and gingivitis and tooth decay. These ingredients usually include therapeutic substances, such as cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, and fluoride. If you currently have gum disease, a therapeutic mouthwash will address the problem rather than provide temporary relief.

How Each Ingredient in a Therapeutic or Antimicrobial Mouthwash Is Used

Cetylpyridinium chloride, in mouthwash, is used to kill bad breath germs and chlorhexidine and essential oils control gingivitis and plaque. The fluoride is added to prevent dental decay. Peroxide is normally present in mouth rinses meant to whiten the teeth. Therapeutic mouthwashes may be purchased with a prescription or over-the-counter, depending on the ingredients.

If you have problems with gum disease, contact us about your concerns and book an appointment for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE). Don’t delay getting treatment, as waiting will only prolong and worsen the problem. Give us a call now to schedule a CPE and consultation.