Gum Treatment

Gum Treatment

Gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontal disease are two of the most common dental problems especially in adults. If not treated properly, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss in adults over 40 years old. The control and maintenance of the gums around the teeth is very important as it could lead to to bone loss.

Treatments for gum disease, vary for each patient. The goals for the treatment of gingivitis and periodontal diseases are to identify the factors of gum disease and eliminate them to prevent the gum disease from deteriorating further.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease can affect the soft and hard tissues that are surrounding and supporting your teeth. The primary factor of this gum disease is chronic bacterial infection, which comes from dental plaque – a very fine, thin, and colorless film on your teeth that is formed from the food we eat.

Another source of this bacteria is calculus, which is plaque that stays on your teeth for an extended period of time if they are not removed.

Most factors of gum diseases can be eliminated by manifesting more consistent and meticulous oral hygiene habits and regular professional dental checks. It is very important for periodontal and gum diseases to be treated as soon as possible.

Signs of Periodontal Disease:

  1. Redness and swelling around the gum line

  2. Bleeding gum when touched, especially while brushing

  3. Halitosis or bad breath

  4. Recession of the gingiva or elongation of teeth

  5. Gaps between the teeth

Risk factors that cannot be controlled:

  1. Genetics

  2. Pregnancy and/ or hormonal changes

  3. Systematic disease such as osteoporosis, chronic disease, diabetes mellitus and anaemia

Risk factors that can be controlled:

  1. Poor oral health habits

  2. Smoking or chewing tobacco

  3. Obesity

  4. Inadequate nutrition, including Vitamin C deficiency

What Types of Specialists Treat Gum Disease?

Periodontists are the dental specialists who had additional training after completing dental school to focus entirely on the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of gum and bone disease surrounding the teeth.

In advanced cases of periodontal disease or gingivitis, a periodontist may recommend various procedures to help treat the gum disease. Periodontists are highly skilled in performing bone and gum disease treatments of other conditions such as gingivoplasty, gum and bone grafts, implants, functional and aesthetic gingivectomy and crown lengthening.

Is It Possible to Reverse Gum Disease?

Gum diseases cause permanent damage to the bone and gum levels. What is lost cannot be replaced, hence regular maintenance is required.