Imagine waking up one morning to find your gums bleeding as you brush your teeth. You dismiss it from your mind, thinking it was just a one-off or you brush your teeth too hard. Only, the bleeding persists. This is accompanied by your gums receding and your breath becoming unpleasant.
Fret not, for this is a scenario faced by many people due to gum disease. In fact, nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, encompasses a range of conditions, from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to serious disease (periodontitis), that can lead to tooth loss. It is crucial to address gum disease promptly to prevent severe oral health issues and maintain overall well-being.
With the help of this blog, we will explore various dental treatments available to cure gum disease, offering insights into both non-surgical and surgical options.
By definition, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is usually caused by bacteria in dental plaque. The mildest form causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
If untreated, it can progress to the worst form of the disease, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can be infected.
The most common causes of gum disease include:
Be on the lookout for these signs:
This process involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all your teeth. It is typically recommended for individuals in the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) and as part of regular dental maintenance to prevent progression.
This is a deep-cleaning procedure done under local anaesthesia where plaque and tartar are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the tooth are smoothed out (planing).
This removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. It helps eliminate bacteria and tartar buildup, reduces inflammation, and allows the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.
Antibiotics can be administered as topical gels placed in gum pockets or taken orally. They work by reducing or temporarily eliminating the bacteria associated with gum disease and suppressing the body’s destruction of the gum and bone tissue.
The surgery involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits. The gums are then stitched back into place to fit around the teeth. This is usually done in an effort to reduce pocket depth and make it easier for the patient to keep the area clean.
Bone grafts use fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by periodontitis. It also helps to promote the growth of new bones.
Soft tissue grafts, on the other hand, use tissue often taken from the roof of the mouth to reinforce thin gums or fill in places where gums have receded.
The surgery aims to encourage bone and gum tissue growth. A small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue to keep the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow. It is recommended in cases of severe gum disease where the bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed.
This form of therapy uses laser light to remove diseased tissue and bacteria below the gum line. It is a lot less invasive than traditional surgery, resulting in less pain and bleeding and faster recovery times.
These suppressants help block enzymes that destroy gum tissue. It is often used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to slow the body’s breakdown of bone and tissue.
Use proper techniques, such as brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and under the gum line.
The usage of mouthwash is also recommended to help reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.
It is absolutely vital that you get regular dental checkups so you can catch early signs of gum disease before they become serious. We recommend visiting at least twice a year for cleanings and exams.
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support gum health. Foods high in vitamin C and calcium are particularly beneficial. Stopping your smoking habit is important, as it significantly increases the risk of gum disease.
Gum disease can range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, but numerous effective treatments are available.
Non-surgical options like professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, and antibiotics can manage early stages.
Surgical treatments such as flap surgery, bone, and tissue grafts, and guided tissue regeneration address more severe cases. Innovative treatments like laser therapy and enzyme suppressants offer new ways to tackle gum disease.
It’s never too late to start caring for your gums. Early intervention and consistent oral hygiene practices can save your smile.
Are any of the symptoms we talked about ringing a bell? Reach out to Primecare Dental and learn more! You can also visit our state-of-the-art clinics at three convenient locations: Mangere Bridge, Highland Park, and Papatoetoe. We also have a clinic in Palmerston North. Get an in-person checkup to ensure that everything is spick and span!
