What are Gum Diseases?

1. Professional Dental Cleaning:

The first and most important step in treating gingivitis is a professional dental cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing. A dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gumline, which helps eliminate the bacterial infection.

2. Improved Oral Hygiene Practices:

Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the gums.

Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline.

Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and kill bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Electric Toothbrush: Using an electric toothbrush can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria than a manual toothbrush.

3. Lifestyle Changes:

Quit Smoking: Smoking can contribute to the development and worsening of gum disease. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your gum health.

Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet, rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C), helps support gum health and can accelerate recovery.

Regular Dental Checkups: Even after treating gingivitis, it's crucial to maintain regular dental checkups to ensure that plaque buildup is minimized and that gums are healing.

4. Ongoing Care:

Regular dental cleanings every 3 to 6 months may be necessary to maintain gum health and prevent the recurrence of gingivitis.

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                                        Treatment for Periodontitis:

​Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that affects the deeper tissues of the gums and bone that support the teeth. Treatment for periodontitis is more complex and may involve multiple approaches depending on the severity of the disease.

1. Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing):

    Scaling: The dentist or periodontist will perform scaling, which involves using special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, even deep under the gums.

     Root Planing: This procedure smooths the roots of the teeth to remove any rough areas where bacteria can thrive. It also helps the gums reattach to the teeth.

2. Antibiotics or Antimicrobial Treatments:

To control the bacterial infection in the gums, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics in the form of oral medication, gels, or mouthwashes.

Antibiotic gels or rinses can be applied directly to infected areas to control bacteria and help with the healing process.

Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is more widespread.

3. Surgical Treatments (for Advanced Periodontitis):

In cases of severe periodontitis where deep pockets have formed between the gums and teeth, surgical procedures may be required to restore gum health.

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): The gums are lifted back to remove tartar and bacteria from deep pockets. The gums are then sutured back into place for a closer fit around the teeth.

Bone Grafts: In cases where the bone has been damaged or destroyed due to periodontitis, a bone graft may be used to regenerate lost bone tissue. This helps support the teeth and reduces the risk of tooth loss.

Soft Tissue Grafts: If the gums have receded significantly, soft tissue grafts may be used to restore lost gum tissue. This can help cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further gum recession.

Guided Tissue Regeneration: This procedure involves placing a special membrane between the bone and gum tissue to promote the growth of new bone and tissue, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.

4. Maintenance Care and Follow-Up:

After treatment, especially for periodontitis, ongoing care is essential. This involves more frequent cleanings and regular monitoring by your dentist to ensure that the disease is under control.

Regular visits every 3 to 4 months are often recommended to monitor the health of the gums and to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Preventing Recurrence:

Whether you're treating gingivitis or periodontitis, long-term success depends on consistent oral hygiene and follow-up care. Key practices to prevent recurrence include:

Brushing and Flossing Daily: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque before it turns into tartar.

Routine Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly, typically every 3 to 6 months, to ensure your gums stay healthy and to catch any signs of disease early.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and manage any health conditions (like diabetes) that may affect your oral health.