Periodontics & Gum Disease Treatment

Healthy gums are an integral part of a healthy smile, as gum health and plaque-free teeth go hand in hand. However, maintaining this aspect of oral health has become a challenge in modern times due to unhealthy eating habits and consistent exposure of oral tissues to toxic environments. But the good news is modern dentistry has advanced enough to offer solutions to even the most complicated oral health problems, including gum disease in its severe form.

The availability of a wide array of gum disease treatments helps ensure the reversal of this condition regardless of its severity.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal or gum disease refers to an inflammatory condition or infection of the gum tissues and bone supporting teeth. The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is characterized by gum bleeding, swelling, and inflammation. 

The severer gum disease, periodontitis, involves a receding gumline, loss of bone, and tooth loss in the end. 

According to the CDC, gum disease is more prevalent in adults.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The primary reason for periodontal disease is plaque formation. However, several other factors, such as the following, can also cause this oral condition.

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes that can lead to gum disease generally occur during pregnancy, puberty, and monthly menstruation.
• Illnesses: Specific health conditions, like cancer, diabetes, and HIV, can weaken the immune system, putting body tissues, including ones in the gums, at the risk of inflammation and infection.
• Medication: Certain medications can reduce saliva flow in the mouth, which can later take its toll on your gums and other tissues. Some medicines can even cause abnormal growths in gum tissues.
• Bad oral habits: Some habits like smoking can cause irreversible damage to gum tissues.
• Poor oral hygiene: Failing to adhere to a daily dental care regimen allows bacterial plaque to build up on the teeth surface, which can lead to gum disease.
• Family history of gum disease: You may be more prone to developing gum disease if this problem runs in your family.

What are common signs of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is identifiable with the following signs:

• Consistent bad breath
• Swelling and redness in the gums
• Tenderness and bleeding in the gums
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Long teeth due to gum pulling away
• Sensitive teeth
• Bite changes
• Loosely or improperly fitting partial dentures

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Gum disease generally starts when bacterial plaque on teeth is left untreated. This plaque turns into tartar that irritates the gums to cause inflammation. Here is a quick rundown of the stages involved in this process.

1. Plaque is formed when bacteria on teeth react with leftover starches and sugars from foods. Brushing and flossing clear the plaque, but it reforms quickly.
2. When the plaque stays on your teeth for a little longer, it becomes hard and turns into tartar, a more stubborn bacterial buildup. The tartar consolidates around the gum line and irritates gingival tissues.
3. Irritation and inflammation in the gingival tissues mark the onset of gum disease. The gum infection at this stage is called gingivitis, a condition reversible with good oral care and a timely dental visit.
4. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis, the severe kind of gum disease characterized by the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth. These pockets are filled with bacterial plaque, which consistently irritates the gum tissue and causes infection.

Who needs Periodontal Surgery?

People with advanced gum disease leading to deteriorating teeth and weakened jawbone may require periodontal surgery. Generally, you are a candidate for this surgical procedure if you experience the following symptoms:

• Swelling, redness, or bleeding in gums
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing
• Deep pockets of bacterial buildups between your teeth and gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums

Ultimately, it will be the periodontist’s call whether or not you can benefit from periodontal surgery. They will conduct a thorough checkup of your gums, teeth, and jawbone to decide.

Periodontal Disease Treatment Options

Dental experts at EuroMed Clinic Dubai will choose from various Periodontal disease treatment options, depending on their evaluation of your gums’ condition. Below are the most common options to treat periodontal disease.

Periodontal Laser Therapy

Periodontitis laser therapy works with other traditional techniques used to treat gum disease. During this therapy, the surgeon uses a laser instrument to remove inflamed tissue around the tooth root. Then, they clear the plaque and tartar around the gumline. And in the final step, they smooth out any rough spots on the tooth to reduce the likelihood of plaque buildup, preventing future gum infections.

Deep Cleaning

Deep teeth cleaning uses advanced dental cleaning protocols to clear the tartar and other infectious materials below the gum line. This treatment typically cleans hard-to-reach areas such as tooth roots. The technique used in this technique is referred to as periodontal scaling and root planing. The dentist may use an ultrasonic removal device if simple scrapping doesn’t work.

What is the Prevention for Gum Disease?

Staying on top of your dental hygiene and preventative care is imperative to avoiding gum disease. Here is what constitutes a robust dental hygiene routine.

• Ensure to brush your teeth twice every day.
• Your toothbrush must have small and soft bristles. Make sure to use the proper brushing technique.
• Use toothpaste with a good amount of fluoride in the composition.
• Clean the areas between your teeth by flossing or with interdental brushes. Some modern tools are also available that help clean the spaces between teeth.
• If you wear dentures, be sure to clean them every day. Plaque can build up on the dentures too, and it undoubtedly affects the health of your gums. You can speak to your dentist regarding how to clean your dentures to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.

Some other steps that help prevent gum disease include the following.

• Consider quitting smoking as tobacco can interfere with the blood flow in the gum tissues.
• Be sure to check and control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
• Reduce sugar intake, especially between meals.
• Increase water intake to keep your oral cavity well-hydrated.

Periodontics & Gum Disease FAQs

Book an Appointment

Not only is gum disease a threat to your dental health, but it can also negatively affect your overall health. But with timely treatment, you can avert the gum disease’s impact. At EuroMed Clinic Dubai, we offer top-of-the-line dentistry solutions to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. You can book a consultation at our clinic using the online form below.