Whether you have had extensive professional treatment or are simply fighting gum disease with self-care, here are some general guidelines for you and your family.  Ask Dr. Loewen if you have questions , and start your children's good dental habits early.

Practice Good Self-Care

To help stop the process of gum disease, begin your self-care program today.  Good habits take time, and bad habits are hard to break.  If you do miss a flossing or brushing, just start up again the next day.  Your body wants to be well, so it will respect your efforts.  Keep plenty of floss and a new toothbrush on hand for everyone in your home.  And always eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and vitamin-enriched foods.  A good diet now helps avoid health problems later.
 

After you visit Dr. Loewen, schedule follow-up appointments for needed maintenance.  Write down the appointments in your date book, and try your best to keep them.  If you can not, reschedule as soon as possible.  You may be asked to come in as often as every couple of months for cleaning or other treatment.  The more often you visit your dentist, the less likely it is that you will have dental problems.  The success of fighting gum disease is in your hands!

Watch For Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after you have had professional treatment, your mouth may feel sensitive or sore.  Over time, your teeth will become less sensitive because when you are cleaning, you mouth is healing.  But for a couple of weeks, Dr. Loewen may suggest that you take a non-aspirin pain reliever a half-hour before self-care and rinse with warm water afterward.  Avoid sugary and starchy food because they attract plaque , and avoid smoking, citrus, and spicy foods because they may cause your mouth some discomfort.