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Gum disease

Posted by Valerie Mukanga Sep 05,2022

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a common dental condition. It occurs when plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth. The bacterium irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. If not treated, the gums can separate from teeth, forming pockets where bacteria and plaque collect.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Gum disease often doesn’t have any symptoms in the early stages, though you may notice bleeding when you brush your teeth. You may also notice that your teeth feel more sensitive when you eat or drink hot or cold things. As the disease progresses, you may notice that your teeth feel loose and shift out of position.

In advanced stages of gum disease, you may notice pus around your teeth or gums, which is a sign of infection. You may also experience bad breath or taste.

Who is at risk for gum disease?

Everyone. Gum disease affects people of all ages. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing or flossing enough, can increase your chances of developing gum disease. Other factors include having diabetes or a history of smoking. Proper dental care, a balanced diet, and routine dental visits can help keep your gums healthy.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

Gum disease can sneak up on you, so you might not even know you have it. As a result, your dentist needs to look closely at your teeth and gums to identify any signs of the disease.

Some of the symptoms of gum disease include:

How is gum disease treated?

Gum disease is an ongoing infection that should be treated as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. If you’ve noticed any symptoms or signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

The earlier gum disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. The professionals at your dental office may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

How can I prevent gum disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is by practicing good oral care. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing every day.

You should also visit our office at least twice a year, or more frequently as recommended by Dr. Sparks, for routine exams and cleanings. These appointments allow us to remove plaque buildup from your teeth and under your gum line, which can cause gum disease.

What is periodontitis?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. The infection is caused by a buildup of plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is preventable. In most cases, your dentist can detect and treat gum disease before it causes permanent damage.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It starts with inflammation of the gums, causing them to swell, turn red, and bleed easily. This inflammation is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria around the and under the gum line.

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. The gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. This can lead to tooth loss and bone loss.

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is a common dental condition caused by plaque and bacteria buildup on the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or even require extraction. To avoid gum disease, it’s best to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash. If you notice signs of gum disease, such as red, swollen gums, bleeding, halitosis, or loose teeth, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

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Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy
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SCALING AND ROOT PLANING Scaling and root planing are two types of deep cleanings that remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Scaling removes plaque and tartar, and root planing smoothes the surface of the tooth root to prevent bacteria from accumulating there in the future. ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY Antibiotic therapy is prescribed when dental plaque is allowed to accumulate on the teeth and gums. Bacteria living inside the plaque buildup can cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and as the gums become inflamed, pockets form between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can then enter the pockets and infect the gum tissue. If your dentist diagnoses you with periodontal disease, they may prescribe a topical antibiotic to help increase antibiotic absorption to the diseased teeth and gums. FLAP SURGERY There are several treatments for gum disease. One common method is flap surgery. This involves lifting the gums and removing the bacteria causing the infection. The gums are folded back so the roots of the teeth can be accessed and the infection removed. The gums are then sutured back in place and must be cared for properly during the recovery period. TISSUE REGENERATION Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues, bone, and other supporting tissues of the teeth. In the earliest stages, periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis. Scaling and root planing therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease. GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION Guided Tissue Regeneration, or GTR, is the process of regenerating bone or gum tissue that has been resorbed due to gum disease. GTR is performed using a special surgical instrument called a GTR grafter. This instrument has tiny blades that pinch gum tissue and pull it away from the surface of the tooth, creating a small pouch. The graft is then placed into the pouch and secured in place. Over time, the graft naturally integrates with the gum tissue, restoring its volume. GTR can be used to regenerate bone and gum tissue that has deteriorated as a result of gum disease. SOFT TISSUE GRAFTING After scaling and root planing, the periodontist will determine if soft tissue grafting is necessary. This is a process of healing the gum lining with tissue taken from elsewhere in the mouth. If there is insufficient gum tissue, this grafting process will create more tissue. If gum tissue has been lost due to periodontal disease, the graft will regenerate the gumline. GUIDED BONE REGENERATION Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a procedure designed to treat areas of bone loss in the jaw. This can be caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or infection. GBR can be performed alone or with other treatments such as bone grafting. When a patient’s jawbone has been damaged, the body does not naturally grow new bone in the damaged area. This can lead to empty spaces in the jaw. Over time, these empty spaces can compromise the health and function of the jaw. OSSEOUS SURGERY Osseous surgery refers to any surgical procedure that targets the jawbone. This is most commonly done to: - Correct a misaligned jaw (usually the mandible) - Remove damaged areas of the jawbone (usually the maxilla) - Remove a tumor - Remove teeth that have not yet fallen out Prior to surgery, the periodontist will describe all steps of the procedure to the patient. The individual should ask questions if there is something that is unclear. PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY A crown lengthening procedure is a periodontal plastic surgery procedure that corrects an “gummy” smile. During a gum lift, excess gum tissue is removed and teeth are made to look longer. A crown lengthening procedure is often performed simultaneously with a dental implant procedure.

Gum disease
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