What are gum diseases?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress and affect the underlying jaw bone.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease begins with poor brushing and flossing habits. Poor habits leads to plaque and calculus formation, bacteria in dental plaque initiates localized inflammation which if not removed, will progresses form mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.
How to identify gum diseases?
- Bad breath
- Bleeding from gums
- Swollen and inflamed gums
- Receding gums
- Spaces between teeth which are progressive
- Mobile teeth
- Accumulation of calculus
- Yellowing of tooth
Reasons for gum diseases?
Main reason
- Poor oral hygiene and improper brushing techniques
Other reasons
- Dental diseases: caries and crowding of teeth
- Habits: smoking, pan and guttka chewing and alcohol consumption
- Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause and pregnancy
- Medication: anti-hypertensives (CCB), anti- convulsants, oral contraceptives and steroids.
- Systemic diseases like sinusitis, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes and HIV.
Types of gum diseases?
Gingivitis: milder form, caused due to plaque accumulation, which leads to inflammation and bleeding from gums. Involves only gums, If left untreated will progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis: advanced form, which leads to spaces between teeth and mobility of teeth. Involves both gums and underlying bone, if left untreated results in loss of tooth.
Treatment options for gum diseases!!!
Depends on the stage of the disease, medical history and overall health.
Non-surgical option: for gingivitis
Scaling – procedure involving crown portion of the tooth. Dentist uses a specialized cleaning device called an ultrasonic scaler to remove the plaque and calculus on the crown portion of the tooth.
Root planning – procedure involving root portion of the tooth. Dentist uses specially designed root planning instruments for removing the calculus form the root surface of the tooth.
Curettage – cleaning of the soft tissue (gums) covering the root of the tooth. Dentist uses specifically designed curettes.
Polishing – removing the irregularities present on the tooth surface. It aids in less retention of plaque and debris. Dentist uses a special polishing kit.
Surgical options: for periodontitis
Flap surgery – procedure involving incision of the gums and removing the calculus and inflamed tissue beneath the gums followed by suturing of the gums.
Bone and soft grafting – procedure involving placement of auto or allograft for regeneration of the bone and soft tissue which is lost due to periodontitis.
How to prevent gum diseases?
- Proper oral hygiene maintenance.
- Proper brushing technique – 2/day.
- Flossing regularly.
- NO tobacco and NO alcohol.
- Regular dental visits –once in every 6 months