Advanced Gum Treatment
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Advanced Gum Treatment
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. It is the inflammation of the soft tissue that is present around the tooth. If it is not treated in time, it can lead to inflammation of the jaw bone. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums. Building up of plaque results in gingivitis. The toxins present in plaque are responsible for the inflammation of gum tissue. Gum disease occurs when this inflammation spreads to the gum pockets that are located between the teeth. This condition is harder to treat than gingivitis. Jaw bone and connective tissue can be severely damaged in advanced gum disease. Eventually this will result in tooth loss.
What causes gum disease?
- Gum disease is caused if you don’t brush or floss your teeth properly.
- Prolonged smoking and chewing of tobacco.
- Genetic factors.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can cause gum disease.
- Conditions such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS that affect the immune system can cause gum disease.
- Grinding and clenching of teeth.
- Advancing age.
- Poor nutrition.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
- Loosening of teeth.
- Release of pus from gums.
- Swelling and inflammation of gums.
- Exposure of teeth because of receding of gums.
- Bleeding of gums when brushing or flossing.
- Increased sensitivity of gums.
- Bad breath.
A periodontal probe is used by the dentist or periodontist to measure the pockets surrounding the teeth. This will give an indication about the amount of bone that has been lost around the teeth. Severity of gum disease can be evaluated from the depth of the pockets around your teeth. Dental X-rays also give a clear picture of bone loss.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Stage 1: (Gingivitis) Gingivitis is the inflammation of gums. It results in swelling and bleeding of gums. The gums also turn red. Gingivitis should be treated before it advances further.
Stage 2: (Periodontitis) Periodontitis occurs when inflammation extends to the gum pockets that are present between teeth. The toxins in the plaque cause inflammation of gum tissue.
Stage 3: (Advanced Periodontitis) In this condition, the jaw bone and connective tissue are effected ultimately resulting in tooth loss.
Types of gum disease
If gingivitis (inflammation of gums) is not treated in time it can spread below the gum line. Plaque that gets built up contains toxins that ultimately damage soft tissue and bone. The symptoms of periodontal disease are not very apparent in some cases. Deepening pockets between gums and teeth is a clear indication of gum disease.
- Chronic Periodontitis: Gum recession and deep pockets are caused by inflammation in the supporting tissues. The gums (gingiva) are actually retreating, despite the apparent expansion of the team. This type of periodontal disease is the most prevalent and characterized by periods of rapid advancement mixed with a progressive loss of attachment.
- Aggressive Periodontitis: This type of gum disease occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual. It is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment, chronic bone destruction and familial aggregation.
- Necrotizing Periodontitis: This form of periodontal disease most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression and malnutrition. Necrosis (tissue death) occurs in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissues.
- Periodontitis caused by systemic disease: This type of gum disease frequently starts early in life. Common cofactors include medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disorders.
Advanced Gum Treatment
The method of treatment that the periodontist opts for may vary from surgical to non-surgical depending on the state of the gums, teeth and jawbone. A thorough examination of the mouth is done before going ahead with treatment. The following are the common types of gum treatment.
- Scaling and Root Planing: The bacteria and calculus that caused the illness must be eliminated in order to maintain the health of the gum tissue. The gum pockets are cleansed and given antibiotic treatment. A mouthwash may also be prescribed.
- Tissue Regeneration: Grafting methods can be employed to regenerate bone and gum tissues that have been destroyed. The regeneration process is performed with the help of a membrane which is positioned in the affected regions.
- Pocket Elimination Surgery: Flap surgery or pocket elimination surgery is carried out to diminish the gap between the teeth and gums. Indentations on the jaw bone facilitate the easy growth of bacteria. Surgery can be performed on the jaw bone reduce these indentations.
- Dental Implants: Implanting artificial teeth into the jawbone helps restore the mouth’s appearance and functionality after teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease. Before a dental implant is placed, tissue regeneration techniques may be necessary to fortify the bone.
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Prevention of Gum Disease
Gum disease can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene. Some individuals are more susceptible to gum disease due to existing health conditions and genetic factors. Such people should visit the dentist regularly for cleaning of teeth.
Methods to mitigate the risk of gum disease:
- Stop smoking and chewing of tobacco.
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day.
- Flossing of teeth must be done regularly.
- A mouthwash can be used.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning of teeth.
FAQs
Can brushing very vigorously cause gum disease?
Brushing very vigorously with a hard-bristled tooth toothbrush can result in damage to the gum tissue. This makes the gums more susceptible to disease.
How to cure gum disease without a dentist? Are there any home remedies?
There are no specific home remedies to cure gum disease. But it can be prevented from spreading by maintaining a good level of oral hygiene. You must brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing must also be done everyday and an antibacterial mouthwash should be used to keep. The above methods will help prevent food particles from getting lodged between your teeth. It is also important to have a balanced diet. Food items containing high sugar must be avoided. Consumption of fruits and vegetables will help reduce the chance of plaque buildup. Smoking and chewing tobacco cause gum disease and should be avoided.
Can mouthwash prevent gum disease?
Mouthwash is a useful tool to maintain good oral health and hygiene. It helps kill bacteria and freshens the mouth. But it cannot be relied on exclusively in order to maintain good oral health. Brushing and flossing are very important.
What is the appearance of gum disease? How does it look?
Swelling of gums and change in their colour to red or purple are initial signs of gum disease. Plaque starts getting accumulated in the teeth. Secretion of pus near the gumline and loss of teeth are advanced stages of gum disease.
How long can you keep your teeth with periodontal disease?
This depends on the stage of gum disease. It is important to treat gum disease as early as possible to prevent loss of teeth.
What are the steps involved in gum disease self-care?
It is important to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss everyday and use an antibacterial mouthwash to maintain good oral health and hygiene.
Why choose Jain’s Dental Villa for advanced gum treatment?
The first things that come to mind when we think about oral hygiene are brushing and teeth whitening. But gum health is equally important. If gum disease is ignored it can eventually lead to loss of teeth. At Jain’s dental villa we use state of the art equipment to assess the extent of gum disease. Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, periodontal probing and bacterial testing are some of the techniques used.
Advanced gum treatment aims to improve your comfort, confidence and overall quality of life in addition to saving your teeth. The knowledge and equipment at Jain’s Dental Villa enable us to offer the best care possible, regardless of the severity of your periodontal problems.
To start along the path to healthier gums and a more radiant smile, schedule your consultation right now!