PERIODONTAL TREATMENT

Periodontal Gum Treatment (for gum disease) is the treatment of swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main types of gum disease: ‘gingivitis’ and ‘periodontitis’. Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when you brush them, they may also bleed when eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.

Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. Where periodontal disease occurs, the bacteria grow down below the gum margin along the root surface. The gums detach from the tooth and form so called “pockets”.

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 bone, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. As gum disease progresses, loss of bone support becomes evident with the loosening of teeth, gum recession giving the appearance of elongated teeth and separation of gum tissue from teeth resulting from the loss of bone and the accumulation of debris (plaque and tartar) on the root surfaces. The spaces that form between the teeth and gum tissue become pockets filled with infection and possible pus formation.

If periodontal disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss. Most people have some form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for life. In recent years gum disease has been linked with general health conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular (heart) disease, poor pregnancy outcomes and even dementia. While we need more research to understand how these links work, there is more and more evidence that having a healthy mouth and gums can help improve general health.

All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. You can do this by brushing your teeth, and by cleaning in between the teeth with interdental brushes or floss.

People who smoke are more likely to have gum disease. Smoking may change the type of bacteria in dental plaque, increasing the number of bacteria that are more harmful. It also reduces the blood flow in the gums and supporting tissues of the tooth and makes them more likely to become inflamed. Smokers’ gum disease will get worse more rapidly than in people who do not smoke. Because of the reduced blood flow smokers may not get the warning symptoms of bleeding gums as much as non-smokers.