Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth.
Gum Disease also known as Periodontal Disease begins with bacterial growth in the mouth, the localized inflammation of the gingiva is initiated by bacteria in the dental plaque, which is a microbial biofilm that forms on the teeth and gingiva. Nearly 70% of the people are affected by this disease at some point in their life. Though such a prevalent disease most people are unaware of the issue and the problems it can cause.
A significant indicator of gum disease is inflammation, which is the body’s way of shielding, guarding, and protecting itself from infection. Think of it as a blowfish puffing up to scare away predators! And while you may want to avoid dealing with inflamed gums, being able to recognize and act upon the signs and symptoms of gum disease is essential. Gum disease is a sneaky, progressive disease.
Here’s why: the first stage, called gingivitis, occurs when bacterial plaque is not thoroughly removed from your teeth. When you don’t treat gingivitis, periodontitis may come into play. Toxins from this buildup of bacterial plaque affect your gum tissue and the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. As the infection causes periodontitis to spread to the bone and supporting tissues, your teeth may become loose and need removal. But even advanced cases of periodontal disease don’t have to progress to this point.
There are different forms of periodontal disease, but the following are the most common:
Chronic gingivitis. A reversible, milder form of periodontal disease, marked by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums. There is no bone loss with gingivitis, and as noted, it is easily preventable.
Aggressive periodontitis. A rapid loss of gum attachment and bone destruction in a short period.
Chronic periodontitis. The most common form of periodontitis. It progresses slowly.
Necrotizing periodontal disease. An infection resulting from the death of gum tissue surrounding the tooth and connecting bone. Its common symptoms are a foul odor and painful bleeding gums.
1. Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste).
2. Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth.
3. Visit your dentist after every 6 months for a routine check-up and professional cleaning.
4. Quit smoking.
The treatment option depends on the stage of Gum Disease. It also depends on your medical history and your overall health. The treatment options range from non-surgical therapies to surgical treatments.
The Non-Surgical Options Include:
Deep Cleaning
This is done in the very initial stage of developing a Gum Disease. Your dentist will remove the plaque or tartar (which hardens the tooth surface) from below and above the gum line. It is a preventive measure which helps you to save from getting gum disease.
Scaling & Root Planning
This is also a deep cleaning process. The only difference is that your dentist will give local anesthesia to start the process. Plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gum line and after that, the rough spots are made smooth. The process of smoothing helps to remove the bacteria. This is done only if your dentist finds that you have calculus deposits under the gum.
Surgical Treatment Includes:
Flap Surgery
In this, incision is made on the gums to remove the tartar. Sometimes the irregular surface of the bone is smoothened so that there are no areas for bacteria which cause this disease can hide. This method is used to remove the gap between gums and tooth.
Bone Graft
This method is used to regenerate the bone. The dentist use fragments of synthetic bone donated bone or your own bone which is used to replace the bone destroyed due to gum disease.
Soft Tissue Graft
This method is used if the gums are receded. Gums are taken from the roof of the mouth and is stitched to the area of gum recession.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Done along flap surgery when bone which supports your teeth are destroyed. Your dentist will insert a small piece of mesh-like fabric between your bone and gum tissue.
