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Gums Treatment & Cleaning

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The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums, 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, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This 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.

The bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed if not treated. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Risk factors:

Smoking
Need another reason to quit smoking? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of successful treatment.
Hormonal Changes in Girls/Women:
These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing infections, including gum disease.
Other Illnesses and Their Treatments
Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums, as can treatments for cancer.
Medications
Hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease. And some medicines can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue, making it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
Genetic Susceptibility
Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.
Gum treatment and cleaning

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Symptoms of gum disease include:
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums or longer-appearing teeth 

Treatment

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 removes rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather and help remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
Sometimes, a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar. This procedure can result in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort than traditional deep cleaning methods.
Gum treatment and cleaning

Medications

Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planning, but they cannot always take the place of surgery.
Depending on how far the disease has progressed, the dentist or periodontist may suggest surgical treatment. 

Can gum disease cause health problems beyond the mouth?

Researchers have observed that people with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. Women with gum disease are more likely to deliver preterm, low-birth-weight babies.

In the meantime, it’s a fact that controlling gum disease can save your teeth – a good reason to take care of your teeth and gums.

Gum treatment and cleaning

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