Gum Disease refers to inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva)and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place. Gum Disease is casued by toxins secreted by bacteria in 'plaque' that accummulated over time along the gum line. Early symptoms include bleeding gums without pain. As the disease advances there is pain due to loss of home around the teeth and pocket formation. It further leads to infection, swelling, pain and ultimately loss ofotherwise healthy teeth. Treatment of early gum disease innovles oral hygine and removal of bacterial plaque. Moderate to advanced gum disease usually requires a through cleaning of teeth and teeth roots called root planing and subgingival curettge.
Both these procedure are usually performed under local anethesia and may be accompanied by the use of oral antibiotics to overcome gum infection.
--- If you notice any of the following signs of gun disease, fiz an appointment immediately.
1) Gum that bleed when you brush your teeth.
2) Red, swollen and tender gums.
3) Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
4) Bad breath that doesn't go away.
5) Pus beheen your teeth and gums.
6) loose teeth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist.
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 behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means 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. This procedure can result in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional deep cleaning methods.