Protect, Preserve & Prevent..

Gum Disease / Periodontitis

Do you have signs of bleeding gums after brushing or biting anything hard? If yes, then your gums are infected. This condition is known as gingivitis. Untreated prolonged bleeding gums spread the infection to the deeper portions of the gums and bone. This prolonged infection causes bone loss around the tooth. This leads to periodontitis. It increases the risk of diabetes, respiratory disorders and cardiac illnesses.

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

Treating gum disease earlier prevents serious complications.

• Swollen Gums – The first sign of gum disease is red and swollen gums. The gum line appears inflamed. It feels tender and bleeds easily while brushing and flossing.
• Bad Breath – The toxins released by bacteria get accumulated in the gums and produce bad breath. It increases the plaque formation in teeth.
• Receding Gums – If the tooth appears longer than usual, it indicates receding gums. Severe bone loss can separate the gums away from the tooth, creating a pocket.
• Sensitivity – Dentin is the most sensitive portion of the tooth. It is exposed to the oral cavity due to receding gums. This causes sensitivity while consuming cold foods or drinks.
• Mobility – Gum disease affects the surrounding tooth structure that holds the tooth in place. This causes shifting of teeth away from normal occlusion and alters biting and chewing.

What are the Various Treatment Methods for Gum Diseases?

The primary goal is to reduce infection and inflammation in the gums. It is essential to treat the underlying systemic disease for complete recovery.

• Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning using special instruments diminishes microbial activity. This mode of treatment is called scaling. Unlike regular scaling, deep cleaning removes the tartar from the area below the gum line called root planing.
• Medications: Your dentist prescribes antibiotic gel after root planing to prevent infection. Antiseptic chips can be used for moderate gum infection. It releases the medication slowly, reducing the pocket size and bacterial activity.
• Surgery: If the above treatment methods do not improve the symptoms of gum disease, then surgery is preferred by the dentist.
• Flap Surgery – The inflamed gums are lifted using special tools and the tartar below the gums is removed from the tooth roots. Areas where there is severe bone, artificial bone graft is placed which helps in formation of new bone. Thereafter gums are repositioned, a stitch is placed to prevent tartar formation.
• Soft tissue Graft Surgery – The exposed area of the tooth where there is gum and bone loss is covered with gum tissue obtained from other areas of the mouth like a palate. It prevents bone loss, reduces sensitivity and maintains the gum level.

Preventive Measures

• Your dentist advises you the preferred brushing technique and prescribes an antiseptic mouthwash. Add this to your daily brushing routine. Rinse your mouth 30 minutes after brushing.
• Use of interdental brushes and floss to remove the food particles and plaque present in between the teeth. Be gentle while flossing because extreme flossing can damage your gum line.
• Smokers should stop smoking for a better prognosis of gum treatments.
• Avoid clenching the teeth during anxiety, anger, or sleep because it creates an excess force on the gums and damages them.
• Avoid excessive citrus fruits and acidic beverages to prevent sensitivity and gum irritation.