Gum Treatments

Periodontal Disease-Video 

Gum treatment is the treatment of active gum and jaw bone disease. Gum disease treatment can slow or stop the progression of gum disease. Since there are different stages of gum disease (from gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease), there are different levels of treatment. In some cases, the patient may be referred to a specialist. The bottom line is healthy teeth need gums.

Cause: our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless "plaque" on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque.  Plaque that is not removed can harden and form "tartar" that brushing doesn’t clean.  Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

Gingivitis: the longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called "gingivitis."  In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily.  Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

Periodontitis:  when gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis" (which means "inflammation around the tooth.")  In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called "pockets") that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.  The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.   

Risk Factors: Some of the things that can cause it are:

• Smoking.  Need another reason to quit smoking?  Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease.  Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.
• Hormonal changes in girls/women.  These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Diabetes.  People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
• Medications.  There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth.  Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease.  And some medications can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep gums clean.
• Illnesses.  Several diseases and their treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums.
• Genetic susceptibility.  Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.

Who gets it: people usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.  Men are more likely to have gum disease than women.  Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease.  Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

Prevention: is better than cure. Some of the things you can do are: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
• Floss every day
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
• Don’t smoke

 Symptoms:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist immediately.

Treatment: the main goal of treatment is to control the infection.  The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease.  Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviours, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing.  Scaling is the procedure of scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line.  Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.  In some cases a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar.