How To Use A Modified Keyes Method To Combat Periodontal Disease And Save Your Smile

I used to tell myself that I would dedicate myself to getting healthy "later," but "later" never came. I ate very unhealthy foods and always told myself I would start eating healthier "tomorrow." I needed to start exercising, but I would tell myself I would join the gym "next month." When I reached a milestone birthday, I realized that I had set so many health goals that had come and gone in the past decade and had to finally get serious about getting healthy. I then began researching health tips online and found quite a few that inspired me to finally start eating healthy and getting into shape. I still have a ways to go, but I am finally now on the way to achieving my goals! I know so many health blogs inspired me, so I decided to create one of my own to share my health tips on!

How To Use A Modified Keyes Method To Combat Periodontal Disease And Save Your Smile

3 December 2015
 Categories: Health & Medical , Articles

Periodontal disease is a tremendous dental health problem due to its widespread incidence and lack of warning signs in early stages. It can not only cause health problems but also problems with the appearance of the smile. The good news is you can treat periodontal disease using a focused regimen designed for the treatment of periodontitis. Below is more information about this condition's impact on cosmetic appearance and how you can perform an effective, safe regimen of care at home:

Why is periodontal disease such a problem from a cosmetic standpoint?

Periodontal disease is the "silent killer" of oral health for many Americans; it is estimated that nearly half of all adults 30 years and older have periodontitis, and the rate only increases with age. Periodontal disease can cause a number of significant dental problems besides cosmetic problems: pain, discomfort, difficulty eating and possibly even cardiovascular disease. However, the reduction of bone mass due to periodontal disease can cause tissue shrinkage, causing an unsightly gum line as well as visible swelling of the gums. This impact on appearance is embarrassing to sufferers.

How can periodontal disease be treated at home?

While regular visits to a dentist is an essential part to maintaining good oral health, you can be proactive and treat periodontal disease yourself. Paul Keyes, a pioneer dental researcher who specialized in periodontal disease, discovered that patients had it within themselves to successfully treat their own conditions, provided they continued to have periodic care from a dentist. The Keyes Method, as it is widely known, is fairly simple and extremely cost effective. Here is how you can use an adaptation of the Keyes Method to grant yourself healing from periodontitis:

  1. Gather your supplies - You will need to purchase either baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or Epsom salts. Baking soda works well, but if you are sensitive to sodium due to blood pressure or other concerns, use Epsom salts. You will also need a new toothbrush, rubber gum stimulator, three-percent hydrogen peroxide solution and an oral irrigator.

  2. Create the treatment paste - Measure two tablespoons of baking soda (or Epsom salts) and pour it into a clean glass container. Next, add a small amount of three-percent hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda and vigorously stir it with a teaspoon until it forms a thin paste. If you add too much hydrogen peroxide, then compensate by adding a little more baking soda or Epsom salts. Do not wait too long after mixing the paste together, or the chemical reaction between the two products may cause it to lose its potency.

  3. Apply the paste to your gums - Once the paste has been mixed together, scoop a pea-sized amount onto your fingertip and rub it into your gums. Be sure to apply it on both the inside and outside of your gums, and periodically scoop up small amounts of the paste until you have used it all.

  4. Massage your gums - Immediately after applying the paste, use the rubber gum stimulator to massage your gums; be sure to massage down into the gum line, but be careful not to injure your gums by penetrating too deep.

  5. Rinse and clean with oral irrigator - After massaging your gums, rinse out the paste with warm water and use an oral irrigator filled with warm water to provide a final, deep cleaning of the gum line and spaces between the teeth.

  6. Continue to follow a normal care regimen as prescribed by your dentist - This method is not meant to replace regular tooth brushing and flossing but is meant to supplement them. Be sure to follow your dentist's instructions regarding treatment for periodontal disease, including the proper use of medications and other therapeutic methods. If you're still not happy with the appearance of your teeth after following these instructions for a while, contact a cosmetic dentist at a clinic like New Image Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

About Me
Setting Health Goals Is Only the First Step

I used to tell myself that I would dedicate myself to getting healthy "later," but "later" never came. I ate very unhealthy foods and always told myself I would start eating healthier "tomorrow." I needed to start exercising, but I would tell myself I would join the gym "next month." When I reached a milestone birthday, I realized that I had set so many health goals that had come and gone in the past decade and had to finally get serious about getting healthy. I then began researching health tips online and found quite a few that inspired me to finally start eating healthy and getting into shape. I still have a ways to go, but I am finally now on the way to achieving my goals! I know so many health blogs inspired me, so I decided to create one of my own to share my health tips on!

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