Gum disease is tricky business. Early on, it can be reversed with tools you can purchase and use at home. However, later on, it's something that only a dentist can help you with. For this reason, you should focus on controlling or reversing your gum disease while it's still in the early stages. If you're looking for ways to do this, consider the following three methods.

Start Flossing

If you aren't flossing every day yet, you need to be. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from the gumline and even under the edge of the gums. It's always recommended by dentists because it's so effective.

Many people aren't too enthused about flossing, but the reality is that it only takes a few minutes of your time. After you make yourself do it a few times, it will become a habit, so push yourself to do it for the first few days, and it'll get easier.

Water Flosser

Water flossers are a great tool to use in addition to traditional flossing. They're able to blast away leftover plaque and bacteria that you weren't able to get with standard floss. Studies have also shown that they're useful in helping to reverse gum disease, so you couldn't ask for a more ideal tool to keep your gingivitis under control.

Use Antibacterial Products

Antibacterial products aren't just for cleaning wounds. There are also antibacterial products that you can use in your mouth to help control the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Using these products on a regular basis can help to prevent gum disease, but they're also a useful tool in controlling existing gum disease.

The main two types you'll find are antibacterial mouthwashes and antibacterial toothpastes. Antibacterial mouthwash is easy: just look for one that contains alcohol, or those marked as alcohol-free and antibacterial. Not all alcohol-free mouthwash products are antibacterial, so make sure to check the label carefully.

Antibacterial toothpaste is becoming more popular because of its ability to control bacteria hours after you've brushed your teeth. As long as you're brushing twice a day or as often as your dentist personally recommends, you'll be able to greatly improve your chances of beating gum disease.

These three tools can help you to get your gum disease under control. However, keep in mind that they're only effective against early gum disease. If you don't find relief after starting treatment with these three tools, make an appointment with your dentist for professional periodontal disease treatment.