Gum care – Periodontal Treatment
The initial signs of gum diseases (Gingivitis) include bleeding , bluish red colour gums, swelling in the gums. This gum bleeding occurs especially while brushing or biting on hard food, At this stage the disease is confined only to the gums without affecting the underlying bone.
If gingivitis is not treated in time, it will lead to detachment of the gums from the tooth, creating a space between the gums and the tooth known as a pocket. This stage of the disease is called periodontitis.
The common symptoms of periodontitis are blood or pus discharge from the gums, foul smell of the mouth, irritation in the gums, sudden appearance of gaps between the teeth, gum recession, sensitivity of the teeth, frequent occurrence of painful swellings on the gums (abscess formation), Tooth Mobility.
Studies show that this bacteria also spreads to other organs and a predisposing factor for heart disease, respiratory problems, etc. In diabetics, this gum disease may even cause tooth loss.
Various Gum care procedures
Even after we brush twice a day, some minute food particle accumulate in unreachable areas. It will lead to decay and gum disease. It is advisable to go for an ultrasonic tooth cleaning whenever you have bleeding gums, stains, calculus, bad breath. Stain removal (Nicotine, Pan chewing) often requires multiple sittings.
Deep scaling & Root planning
When calculus not only present above the gum margin (supra gingival) but below the gum level (sub gingival) causing pockets, then the cleaning has to be deep.
In cases of severe periodontal disease, surgery will be necessary to repair and regenerate the soft and hard tissues . The goal of surgery is to eliminate pockets between the gum and tooth and attempt to encourage reattachment and normal function and aesthetics to the patient.
Procedures that regenerate lost bone and tissue supporting your teeth can reverse some of the damage caused by gum disease.
Gum infection almost always progresses to the supporting bones, which results in bone loss and mobility of the tooth and migration of the tooth causing spaces in between the teeth. To retain the tooth, It may be necessary to augment the bone support that is lost by adding bone grafts.
Preventing Gum Disease
Remove plaque and bacteria through daily brushing, flossing, and regular oral hygiene. Routine visits to a dental professional for cleanings are also essential.