Tips to Spot and Treat Gum Disease for Those With Tight Budgets
Often, it’s hard to find a job with health and dental insurance coverage. And buying personal insurance can be too expensive. Therefore, many people cannot afford regular visits to the dentist and as a result, their oral health worsens over time.
Gum disease is a common oral health problem that only gets worse if left untreated. And the only way to properly treat and cure gum disease is by visiting the dentist.
But if you don’t have dental insurance and you can’t afford dental visits, here are some tips from Kanata-area dentists to identify and treat gum disease before it gets worse.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by bacteria (plaque) buildup on your teeth. It starts as an inflammation of the gum line and can progress to affect the bone around and supporting your teeth.
The three stages of gum disease from least to most advanced are:
- Gingivitis,
- Periodontitis, and
- Advanced periodontitis.
Gum disease is usually painless, so you will only know if you have it by visiting a dentist. However, there are signs of gum disease that you will notice on your own. These include:
Gums that are red, swollen, tender, and bleeding;
- Receding gums—gums move down or away from the tooth;
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth;
- Persistent bad breath;
- Loose teeth; and
- Pus surrounding the teeth and gums.
At-Home Preventative Care
To prevent gum disease from getting worse, it’s important to follow a regular dental hygiene routine that removes plaque from your teeth. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day and rinsing with a mouthwash that treats gum disease.
Ask your family doctor for a prescription for antimicrobial mouth rinse. And also, avoid sugary foods and drinks since bacteria feed on sugar, causing increased plaque and tooth decay.
Discounted Dental Care
Research local health centres and dental schools to find dental care at a reduced rate. Health centres will provide affordable dental services based on income. And dental schools have clinics for students to practice low-cost dental procedures under the supervision of an experienced licensed dentist.
Community Outreach Programs
Look for dentists who give back to the community with promotions for free dental care. Most dentists will also offer financial assistance to those who cannot afford to pay for the full cost of a dental visit at once. These payment plans are created to suit individual financial needs, making sure you won’t go over budget.
Keep these tips in mind if you suspect you have gum disease and a lack of dental insurance is keeping you from visiting the dentist. Proper at-home dental hygiene can keep symptoms of gum disease from getting worse. And there are many options available to get the dental care you need at an affordable price.
