Gum Treatment

In the broadest sense, the term gum disease, or periodontal disease, describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. "Periodontal" means "around the tooth."

Gum disease begins with plaque, which is always forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. If the plaque is not removed on a daily basis it will form tartar (also called calculus) which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause gum disease.

Anyone at any age is susceptible to gum disease. You can lose your teeth from gum disease because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone which are the foundation in which your teeth rest. Your teeth become loose and eventually fall out as the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth.

Gum diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of gum disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious destructive forms of gum disease called periodontitis

 

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue. The gums are irritated and swollen due to a plaque or calculus (tartar) build-up along the gum-line. The gums may be sore, bleed easily and appear puffy, soft and swollen. No bone structure is lost around the teeth at this stage of gum disease.

Blood on the toothbrush or dental floss is one of the earliest and most common signs of gingivitis. Your gums should never bleed while brushing or flossing. The good news about gingivitis is that it is preventable and reversible through good brushing and flossing techniques (or other dental tooth cleansing). On the other hand, if oral hygiene habits are poor, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis.

 

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis results from the progression of gingivitis, involving inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. Periodontitis occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums is untreated or treatment is delayed. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontitis is irreversible but you can stop its progression through good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist.

 

What are the signs of gum disease?

Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Then one day, on a visit to your dentist, you might be told that you have chronic gum disease and that you may be at increased risk of losing your teeth. That is one reason why regular dental check ups and periodontal examinations are very important.

Although the symptoms of gum disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. Visit our participating dentists immediately if you notice any of the following signs of gum disease:

• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Bad breath that doesn't go away
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Loose teeth 
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures 

Even if you don't notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. Some people have gum disease only around certain teeth, such as those in the back of the mouth, which they cannot see. Only a dentist can recognise and determine the progression of gum disease.

 

What treatment is available?

The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to halt progression of the disease. Treatment options involve home care that includes healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing, non-surgical therapy that controls the growth of harmful bacteria and, in more advanced cases of disease, surgery to restore supportive tissues.

• Although brushing and flossing are equally important, brushing eliminates only the plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that the brush can reach. Flossing, on the other hand, removes plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Both should be used as part of a regular at-home, self-care treatment plan. Some dentists also recommend specialised toothbrushes, such as those that are motorised and have smaller heads, which may be a more effective method of removing plaque than a standard toothbrush.

• During a typical check-up your dentist or dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all your teeth. If you have some signs of gingivitis, your dentist may recommend that you return for future cleanings more often than twice a year. Your dentist may also recommend that you use a toothpaste or mouth rinse that is approved for fighting gingivitis.

• If your dentist determines that you have some bone loss or that the gums have receded from the teeth, the standard treatment is an intensive deep cleaning, non-surgical method called scaling and root planning (SRP). Scaling scrapes the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planning smoothes rough spots on the tooth root where germs collect and help remove bacteria that can contribute to the disease. This smooth, clean surface helps allow the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Opinions about which treatment methods to use vary in the periodontal field. For some people, certain procedures may be safer, more effective, and more comfortable than others may be. Which treatment your dentist or periodontist chooses will most likely depend on how far your disease has progressed, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, or your overall health.