Gingivitis, also known as gum or periodontal disease, is a common oral infection that affects ligaments, gums, teeth, and jawbones. It occurs when plaque accumulates on the surface of the teeth. If left untreated, this disease can lead to tooth loss since the bone where teeth attach is destroyed. Symptoms like persistent bad breath or tooth loss indicate gum disease and should prompt you to visit a periodontist.
A periodontist will review your medical history to identify contributing factors like long-term medication use or smoking that may cause dry mouth. They will examine your mouth for plaque or bleeding and may take X-rays. They may also recommended treatment ranging from preventive care to surgical treatment depending on the severity of your condition.
Surgical Treatments
When gum disease advances, it threatens oral health, and surgical treatments are often necessary. Below are common surgical procedures used to treat gum disease:
Bone Grafts
Bone grafting is recommended if the infection has deteriorated the bone where your tooth has attached. A graft made from artificial material or your bone replaces the destroyed bone and helps hold your teeth in place. The grafted bone creates space for natural bone regrowth.
Flap Surgery
It is also known as pocket reduction surgery. A pocket is the space between your teeth and gums that acts as a hiding place for bacteria. The surgeon cuts through your loose gums to clean the pockets and tucks them back to ensure they stick to the teeth. This procedure prevents the spreading of bacteria and bone damage to avoid teeth loss.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Sometimes, gum disease is so severe that it causes gum recession. In such cases, the specialist extracts soft tissue from your mouth’s roof or another donor source to replace the damaged tissue on your gum. This procedure also covers the roots exposed by the damaged gum, preventing further tooth loss and giving your teeth a better feel and appearance.
Tissue Stimulating Proteins
This procedure involves applying a special gel containing proteins necessary to develop your tooth enamel to the affected tooth’s root. It stimulates the growth of healthy tissue and bone to fight gum disease.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration stimulates gum and bone tissue growth. The dentist places a mesh-like fabric between the existing gum and bone tissue to prevent unwanted tissue from growing into the healing area, allowing the bone to regrow and support teeth firmly. This procedure is suitable when the bones supporting your teeth have been significantly damaged.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Treatment of mild gingivitis may include non-invasive procedures such as:
- Prescription of antibiotics: The dentist can prescribe antibiotics to eliminate bacteria causing periodontal disease or minimize bone destruction if the damage is detected early.
- Root planning: This involves smothering up the tooth’s surface to prevent bacteria and tartar buildup. It stimulates teeth to attach to your gums again safely.
- Scaling: Scaling refers to the deep cleaning of teeth and gum linings under anesthesia to remove tartar and plaque.
Home and Lifestyle Remedies
Beyond clinical treatments, maintaining oral hygiene at home is crucial in managing gum health. During your frequent dental visits, a specialist may recommend the following home practices or remedies to reduce or prevent gum disease:
- Brushing teeth after every meal
- Using toothbrushes with soft bristles and replacing them every 3 months
- Regularly flossing your teeth using interdental cleaning aids, brushes, or water flossers.
- Use a mouth rinse to prevent plaque between your teeth
- Regular visits to the dentist for cleaning
- Avoid chewing tobacco or smoking
Types of Gum Diseases
Here are the common types of gum diseases a dentist can treat or help manage:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a mild type of gum disease characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed easily. It is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene and can be reversed when detected at this stage.
- Periodontitis: This is an advanced stage of gingivitis that affects gum tissue, deteriorating the jawbone and may lead to teeth loss. Periodontitis can lead to gum recession and persistent bad breath. Treatment options are limited in advanced stages, and the disease can only be contained and managed
- Aggressive periodontitis: It is a rapid advancement in periodontitis when gingival ligaments and tissue that hold teeth in place start deteriorating rapidly. The teeth get loose, making it difficult for a patient to bite and chew food. A dentist recommends ways to manage the disease at this stage.
- Necrotizing periodontitis: This type of gum disease affects people with conditions such as HIV and AIDS, immunosuppression, or malnutrition. It is caused by insufficient nutrients to nourish your gingival ligaments and tissues.
- Systemic periodontitis: This gum disease is caused by systemic conditions such as heart and respiratory diseases or diabetes.
- Chronic periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of gum disease. It causes gradual deterioration of gum tissue, often progressing without noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Symptoms include gingival pockets and gum recession, which may be confused as signs of aging. When detected, no treatment options are available, but your periodontist can help manage it.
Symptoms of Gum Diseases
Here are the main signs of gum disease to watch out for and begin treatment early to prevent it from worsening:
- Bad breath: The mouth can be a good breeding ground for bacteria that feed on plaque. These bacteria release toxins that bring about bad breath. If you brush your teeth and bad breath persists, it could mean bacteria in hidden places such as gingival pockets.
- Swollen red gums: Reddish gums are the first sign of gum disease. Gums start feeling tender and painful when you brush and may start bleeding. If you notice this, visit your dentist promptly to prevent it from advancing.
- Teeth sensitivity: Shrinking gums are the leading cause of sensitivity in your teeth. Bacteria causes gums to recede, exposing the sensitive part of the tooth, which is called dentin. This could be the case if you feel pain when taking hot or cold stuff.
- Gum recession: When you have receding or shrinking gums, your teeth appear longer than usual. Deterioration of the jawbone causes teeth to separate from the gums, creating pockets that cause shrinkage.
- Teeth movement: If you notice your teeth shift, it shows that ligaments and tissues holding teeth together have been damaged, and the disease is in advanced stages. Visiting a dental clinic can help avoid teeth loss.
Visit a Periodontist to Treat and Manage Gum Disease
Treating gum disease can be complex and requires the expertise of a skilled periodontist. Prevention is always the best approach. Practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent harmful bacteria from causing gum disease. If you notice early signs, consult a specialist promptly to stop the infection from advancing.
If you have a dental concern, such as gum disease, Eriks Dental Group is here to help. Our advanced facility provides exceptional care tailored to your needs. We offer a full range of cosmetic and family dentistry services in Boynton Beach.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and enhance your smile.