What Not To Do During Gum Disease Treatment

Your general dentist may suggest a gum disease treatment to enhance oral health. Preparing well for this visit is necessary. Part of getting ready is knowing what to avoid doing. Below are some things you must not do during your gum disease treatment.

Refrain from eating specific foods

After the gum disease treatment, the dentist will share some aftercare instructions. One of the most important ones is to avoid specific foods. Staying away from them can help the treated area heal faster. The following are some foods to cross out from the grocery list.

Hard foods like ice, nuts, and popcorn should be excluded from the diet during and after a gum disease treatment. These foods can cause pain and irritation. The effects of eating these foods can delay gum healing. Another example is sticky carbohydrates like pastries and white bread. These can be difficult to remove, even with extra flossing and brushing. These foods can encourage more periodontal issues to develop.

Chewy and sticky foods can lodge between teeth and along the gumline. These foods can also irritate the treated areas and cause discomfort during gum disease treatment. Gummy candy, caramel, and taffy are common examples of these foods. Stay away from these foods to prevent dislodging the gum tissues during recovery.

Acidic foods (and drinks) like tomatoes and citrus fruits can erode the enamel and irritate the gums. These items can interrupt gum tissue healing. Sugary foods (and drinks) can worsen cavities and plaque accumulation during gum disease treatment. These items can also impair gum tissue healing.

Tough and chewy meats and meat products need more chewing effort than tender meats. Studies show that chewing with much effort can cause tissue damage, bleeding, and pain. Lastly, spicy foods can lead to gum pain and irritation during gum disease treatment. They can increase one’s risk of complications like infections.

Refrain from consuming tobacco

Studies show that consuming tobacco can cause periodontal disease. This condition destroys the bone that supports the teeth. Tobacco encourages the formation of plaque and tartar. These substances stick to the teeth and gumline. Healing will take longer, pain will worsen, and complications are likely to develop.

Recent research reveals that tobacco can impair blood oxygenation and circulation. This substance should not be in the mouth during gum disease treatment. Healing properly is necessary after this procedure. A general dentist would stress the importance of quitting this habit before, during, and even after gum disease treatment.

Refrain from consuming alcoholic drinks

Clinical studies reveal that alcoholic drinks can affect gum health. This substance interrupts the balance of the bacterial population in the mouth during gum disease treatment. The bad bacteria take over, and gum disease begins or worsens. Alcohol can also dry out the mouth, which reduces saliva production. Low amounts of saliva prevent it from neutralizing bacterial acids.

Refrain from practicing vigorous oral care

The gum disease treatment will leave the gum tissue sensitive and vulnerable. The treated area will need time to heal before a toothbrush or floss can touch it again. The general dentist will tell the patient to clean around the treated gum tissue. Doing so will allow the body to heal well. When it does, gentle cleaning is ideal to prevent trauma.