Overview
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden.
Causes
Gum disease is mostly caused by improper oral hygiene that allows bacteria in plaque and calculus to remain on the teeth and infect the gums. But there are other factors that increase the risk of developing gum diseases:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hormonal changes in girls and women
- Medications that lessen the flow of saliva
- Genetic susceptibility.
Symptoms and signs
- Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.
Prevention
- Proper brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping gum disease at bay.
- Using an antibacterial toothpaste or mouth rinse can lessen the amount of plaque.
- Avoiding tobacco should be the first thing someone does to achieve healthy gums.
- Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning.
Treatment
By scheduling regular checkups, early stage gum disease can be treated by a professional cleaning before it leads to a much more serious condition.
If gum disease is more advanced, scaling and root planning can be performed to treat diseased periodontal pockets. Laser treatments are also sometimes used to remove tartar deposits. If you have moderate to severe periodontitis, gingival flap surgery may be performed by a periodontist to reduce periodontal pockets, as well as bone grafting to restore lost bone.
If you are doubtful of having Gum disease, it is best to visit a Periodontist who can give you a thorough examination and provide a solution. For an appointment with Dr. Sushma please call 04 3971667 Today!
