Effective Gum Disease Treatment: Protecting Your Oral Health

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, leading to inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. 

Untreated, gingivitis can progress to more advanced gum disease, which has been linked to systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. Effective gum disease treatment is critical to help you stop this progression. 

Stages of Gum Disease

The treatment plan will depend on the severity of gum disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. At this stage, gums are inflamed and appear red, swollen, and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. 

Inflammation of the gums is caused when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, accumulates in the mouth and is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. 

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with improved oral hygiene habits and professional dental cleanings. This is why it is important to catch gum disease as early as possible: as the disease progresses, it becomes irreversible. The condition can be managed to prevent further damage, but existing damage is permanent.

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the inflammation spreads below the gumline. Bacteria thrive in these pockets, damaging gum tissue and leading to loss of the underlying bone and periodontal ligament.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Pockets between gums and teeth as gums pull away
• Tooth sensitivity
• Increased bleeding
• Loosening teeth

While damage is permanent at this stage, prompt treatment is still necessary to prevent further issues and stop the disease from progressing to the most advanced stages.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease and is characterized by significant damage to the gums and supporting bone. The symptoms from the previous stage continue to worsen, becoming more significant and aggravated. Teeth become loose and shift, leading eventually to teeth falling out. Pus can build between the teeth and gums as the infection becomes more severe. The bite also starts to change due to the shifting teeth and bone loss. 

Without prompt intervention, advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and other oral health concerns. 

Treatment Options

Gingivitis Treatments

In the earliest stages of gum disease, professional dental cleanings are often sufficient to remove plaque and tartar buildup and reverse gingivitis. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.

Improved oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing is essential; an antiseptic mouthwash and interdental brushes or water flossers may be recommended. Regular check-ups and cleanings are critical to monitor oral health and for regular cleanings to prevent progression.

Early to Moderate Periodontitis Treatments

Treatment at this stage typically involves more intensive cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup and promote healing.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that involves cleaning the tooth roots to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces to discourage further bacterial buildup. Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to help control bacterial infection. 

If non-surgical treatments are insufficient, surgical options may be necessary, such as flap surgery to reduce pocket depth or bone grafts to regenerate lost bone. Antimicrobial treatments may be placed into gum pockets to reduce bacterial infection.

Advanced Periodontitis Treatments

Treatment typically involves more extensive surgical interventions to restore the gums and underlying bone.

Flap surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar and then reshaping the damaged bone, before repositioning the gums to fit snugly around the teeth. Bone grafts are used to replace and regenerate lost bone, using bone from the patient, a donor, or synthetic materials. 

Soft tissue grafts involve taking tissue from the roof of the mouth or a donor source to cover exposed roots or to increase the thickness of the gums. Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure where a special fabric is placed between the bone and gum tissue to promote the regrowth of bone where it has been destroyed by bacteria. 

After undergoing intensive treatments, the maintenance phase is critical; it involves ongoing periodontal care with more frequent dental visits, typically every 3 to 4 months for monitoring and management.

In severe cases, tooth extractions may be necessary. Afterwards, tooth replacement options like implants or dentures are available. 

Prevention

Preventing gum disease is easier and more cost-effective than treating it. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations, and following your dentist’s recommendations will help you avoid the progression of gum disease.

Healthy lifestyle choices, like not smoking, will also help. Certain health conditions and medications can increase your risks of gum disease, so keep your dentist updated on your situation.