What are some gum disease treatments?

Your gum disease treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. Let’s step through what the disease is, how it happens and then we can look at the different levels of treatment.

What is gum disease?

Your best treatment is that of prevention. The health industry strongly suggests that you brush your teeth well twice a day and then also floss once a day. If you brush poorly, or neglect to brush, you leave a sticky substance on your teeth called plaque. This plaque carries bacteria. If the plaque is allowed to come in contact with your gums the bacteria will infect the gums. By not flossing you allow particles between your teeth to do the same.

The Stages of the Disease

The first level of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is when the gums become swollen and inflamed. They may begin to bleed which you will see when you do brush and your toothbrush looks pink. This stage of the disease can be easily reversed by your dentist. The next stage is when things become more serious and the real damage begins. Periodontitis is now when the gums begin to start receding, or pulling away from the teeth. This stage will lead to bone loss and eventually loose teeth.

The Treatment for Both Stages

Since there is very little pain involved in developing gum disease, if you inspect your gums in the mirror and question their condition, make an appointment and let your dentist confirm your suspicions. The dentist can then, with gingivitis, perform a special cleaning called scaling and root planning. They will use specific tools and remove the plaque and hardened plaque, called tartar, from your teeth. They will go as deep as the plaque has progressed. The surface of the roots are then planed, or made very smooth, to make it difficult for the plaque to accumulate again. An antibiotic might also be prescribed to help control the infection. At this stage the gingivitis can be reversed. If it has progressed to bone damage the scaling and planning will have to be done through a surgical procedure. Eliminating the bacteria is the primary goal and now it also includes the regeneration of bone and lost tissue. If you have some loose teeth you may have to use an appliance like a splint or bite guard to stabilize the loose teeth and give the tissue a chance to heal.

Prevention

Almost half of the adults today over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease. All of this can be avoided by you slowing down and brushing your teeth properly. Ask your dentist for advice, change your tooth brush on a regular basis, and then also move forward knowing that it is in your best interest to see your dentist twice a year to support good oral hygiene. Your smile is an invaluable asset. So is your ability to bite, chew and eat without experiencing unnecessary discomfort. Take care of your teeth and your gums if you want them to last you a lifetime.

More About Gum Disease & Periodontal Therapy : What is Gum Disease?