Gum Treatment

Protect Your Gums with Advanced Dental Treatments

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. When plaque forms on the surface of teeth, it releases acids that hurt your oral structures. This results not only in the erosion of the enamel but also breaks down and irritates your gum tissue. Fortunately, treatments are available to prevent further damage to your gum tissue as well as the loss of your teeth.

There’s more to a great smile than just your teeth. Your gums play a key role in maintaining the health of your teeth and the jawbone in which they reside. Periodontal disease, or more commonly known as gum disease, can occur in anyone, and preventing and treating periodontal gum disease is key to good oral health. It is common to be painless and can go unseen for years until it has advanced and damage is done. X-rays and routine dental exams and cleanings can help intercept the disease before its unrepairable damage is done.

What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is swelling or soreness and infection of tissues supporting the teeth due to bacteria buildup in the mouth. The bacteria form plaque in the teeth, causing an infection on the gum line. It hardens into tartar during the advanced stages, which can’t be removed by merely brushing and requires treatment at a dentist’s office.

There are two forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is what translates to “inflammation of the gums.” Gingivitis happens when the gums that surround the teeth are swollen and red. This disease usually leads to bleeding after brushing or flossing.

Gingivitis can become periodontal disease if it is severe or long-lasting. There are several forms of periodontal disease that affect the gum tissue supporting the teeth. As the disease progresses, the jawbone that anchors the teeth is lost, and the teeth become technically loose.

If left untreated, it leads to tooth decay, falling of your teeth, degeneration of the jawbones, along with persistent pains, and continued complications. Periodontal diseases have been linked with conditions ranging from diabetes to the occurrence of strokes, cardiovascular disorders, abnormal pregnancy outcomes, and, finally, a form of dementia. This relationship could be understood only as a relation between a healthy mouth, which positively affects general health, however, through further research. Some signs of Periodontitis

Some common symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Gum infection
• Very red or painful gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Painful flossing
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Formation of deep periodontal pockets between teeth and gums
• Pain when chewing
• Shifting or loose teeth
• Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures

Even if you don’t feel anything, you can have an early period of periodontal disease. Sometimes, the disease affects only one or more molars. So, when the patients experience a change in the system or a change in their health condition, it is too late. All the signs that indicate the warning of gum diseases can be diagnosed only by a dentist.

Risk Factors of Periodontal Gum Disease

With weak or rare brushing of gums and teeth, periodontal diseases might be caused by:

Hormonal changes, that are caused by pregnancy, puberty, menopause and by regular menstruation.

Illnesses that affect the immunization, such as cancers, HIV, etc.

Certain drugs that reduce the quantity of saliva in the mouth with protective functions for the gum tissues, including the teeth.

Tobacco smoking, characterized with lesser quantity of oxygen content within blood that negatively affects the periodontal health.

Family history of dental disease.

Prevention of Periodontal Gum Disease

Patients can prevent gum disease by practicing proper plaque control. This consists of daily brushing and flossing, which will remove mouth bacteria, and professional cleanings at least twice a year to remove plaque and tartar.

Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Worn-out toothbrushes won’t remove plaque and clean your mouth as well as new ones.

Floss daily. Flossing removes food and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line — places your toothbrush can’t reach. Interdental cleaners, picks, or small brushes can also clean between teeth and along the gum line. Ask your dentist how to use them so you don’t damage your gums.

Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. According to the American Dental Association, antibacterial rinses can reduce bacteria that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Treatment Options for Periodontal Gum Disease Treating periodontal disease is dependent on stopping active infection. To accomplish this, your dentist may perform a non-surgical, deep-cleaning technique called scaling and root planing.

During scaling, your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Then, with root planing, your dentist smoothes out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. You will then be provided with instructions on how to maintain good daily oral health habits to aid healing and prevent gingivitis or periodontal disease from reoccurring.