Gum disease is the most prevalent dental problem affecting people of all age groups globally. This is a leading cause of tooth loss when left untreated. It results in an array of uncomfortable symptoms like bleeding, red, inflamed gums, gum recession, bone loss, and tooth mobility.
The Blue Sky Dental specialists offer periodontal services for gum disease to improve your oral health.
A comprehensive guide to gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition affecting the soft tissues surrounding your teeth, namely the gums and the jawbones. It is characterized by an infection or inflammation of the gums, leading to a series of clinical signs and symptoms. Gum disease is reversible in the early stage, but when left untreated, the infection can invade the underlying alveolar bone, leading to periodontitis. This is the most common cause of tooth loss.
Potential causes of periodontal disease
Poor oral hygiene leads to excess bacterial accumulation, resulting in increased plaque formation. These microorganisms combine with the food debris to release harmful toxins that damage the soft tissues. Secondly, an alteration in your immune system also causes failure to fight against infections.
Gum disease is likely to develop due to the following risk factors:
- A family history
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes and hypertension
- Sudden hormonal changes as seen during puberty, pregnancy or menopause
- Tobacco use
- Smoking
- Stress
- Obesity (being overweight)
- Certain autoimmune diseases like lupus
- Heart or respiratory disease
- Immunosuppressant drugs
Symptoms of periodontal disease
The most striking feature of periodontal disease is bleeding gums while brushing or flossing.
Other clinical symptoms include:
- Reddish purple gums
- Swollen and tender gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Unpleasant taste
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Malalignment that can lead to more plaque accumulation
How is periodontal disease treated?
The ideal treatment recommended depends on the severity of the periodontal disease.
Treatment options include:
- Scaling and root planing
- Professional dental cleaning once every 6 months can prevent plaque formation.
- It also helps to detect early signs of gum disease and halt the disease progression.
- Tissue regeneration
- This treatment encourages the growth of gum tissues through grafting.
- A biocompatible layer or membrane is inserted into the affected area to promote regeneration of the tissues.
- Pocket elimination surgery
- This is a flap surgery that reduces the size of the gingival pocket between the gums and the teeth.
- Dental implants
- Loss of teeth due to periodontal disease can be effectively replaced using dental implants.
- These act as an anchorage for crown placement.
Remember, proper oral hygiene practice is the key to keeping gum disease at bay and also to maintain the results of any periodontal treatment for years to come.
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