Gum Disease Treatment By A Gum Specialist

It’s easy to brush off gum issues as a minor concern, but they’re actually a big deal when it comes to your oral health. Even if you’re not experiencing any severe or painful symptoms or discomfort, gum disease can result in a host of pressing dental complications if left untreated for too long, including tooth loss. Ultimately, prioritizing your periodontal health and addressing any issues promptly is one of the secrets to a radiant, confident smile.

dentist showing her patient her dental x-ray

Gum disease or periodontal disease commonly occurs due to bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth and gums which leads to infection and inflammation. While mild gum disease is generally common, periodontitis (an advanced stage of periodontal disease) can cause more serious complications.

With proper oral hygiene, gum disease can be prevented. Meanwhile, when it comes to addressing existing gum disease, you would need the expertise of your dentist or periodontist.

While the disease itself isn’t contagious, the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can be transmitted through saliva. To avoid spreading or catching bacteria that lead to gum disease, practice good oral hygiene and limit close contact with people who have periodontal disease. Also, avoid sharing belongings like utensils.

Anyone can experience gum disease, including children, adults, and elderly people. However, factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, specific medical conditions, and poor oral hygiene habits can make a person more prone to developing periodontal disease.

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What Are the Consequences of Untreated Gum Disease?

When gum disease is left unaddressed, you may encounter or experience the following:

Smelly Breath

Plaque and tartar along the gum line can lead to mouth odor due to the bacteria releasing toxins and producing volatile sulfur compounds. Gum disease can also lead to the formation of pockets that trap bacteria and food particles inside, which also contributes to bad breath.

Swollen Gums

When bacteria build-up and multiply on the teeth and gums, the gum tissue becomes irritated and swollen. This can cause discomfort and varying levels of pain.

Periodontal Disease - Bleeding gums, Bad breath, Sensitivity, Loose teeth

People with gum disease may end up with bleeding gums during and after brushing their teeth or flossing. This is a common indication that the gums are susceptible to infection.

Missing Teeth

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss as the infection becomes more severe. When the infection spreads below the gum line and damages the connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth, the teeth may fall out due to lack of support.

Bone Loss

Periodontal disease can result in bone loss around your teeth due to the bacteria and toxins released by the infection. This triggers the body’s immune system which responds by destructing the infected bone and connective tissues around the teeth.

In other cases, the gum tissue can also pull away from your teeth (receding gums) as it becomes inflamed due to the infection. During this process, sacs and pockets may form between the teeth and gums, promoting bacterial growth. All of these factors contribute to the severe case of bone loss.

Heart Disease

Inflammation caused by periodontal disease can contribute to inflammation in other parts of the body. This makes gum disease patients more susceptible to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and respiratory diseases. Bacteria from the mouth can also affect other organs when they enter the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Early stages of gum disease include symptoms such as:

  • Red, swollen, or puffy gums
  • Gum inflammation
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums

Advanced gum disease may include the following symptoms:

  • Shifting or loose teeth
  • Severe gum recession
  • Bite changes
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit
  • Painful chewing
  • Pocket formation
  • Persistent bad breath

Four Stages of Gum Disease

“Gum disease” is an umbrella term that encompasses all inflammatory issues affecting the gums. However, there are four stages that describe the specific complications, diagnosis, and treatment needed as the disease progresses and becomes more severe.

Stage 1:
Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease, characterized by inflamed gums prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing. As this is an early stage of periodontal disease, it can be reversed by arranging a professional dental cleaning by a dental hygienist or dentist. This helps eliminate bacteria, plaque, and tartar.

Stage 2:
Early or Moderate Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left unaddressed, it can progress to moderate periodontitis wherein bacteria spreads beneath the gums and into healthy bone. Gums can then recede, and pockets may form around your teeth and gums. At this stage, minor bone loss is possible. Early treatment can still help prevent further damage.

Stage 3:
Moderate
Periodontitis

During this stage, the infection spreads further and deeper and begins to affect the bone, ligaments, and soft tissues that support your teeth. You may notice loose teeth, pus forming around your teeth and gum line, deeper gum pockets, and a higher risk of tooth loss. Professional treatments for this stage are needed and may involve deeper cleanings and the use of antibiotics.

Stage 4:
Advanced
Periodontitis

This is the final and most severe stage of periodontitis. You may lose one or more teeth and experience extensive loss of bone. There can also be severe destruction of the soft tissue supporting the tooth, including the gums, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone. Treatment for this stage requires surgery to replace lost gum tissue and lost bone to restore healthy teeth.

patient and dentist at a dental clinic

Causes of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease can develop due to a number of factors that increase the likelihood of inflammation and infection in the gums. Being knowledgeable of these gum disease risk factors can help you prevent and address gum disease promptly.

It’s essential to keep your teeth and gums clean to prevent periodontal disease. Inadequate brushing and flossing make it easy for plaque and bacteria to thrive in the mouth, potentially leading to gum disease.

You’re more vulnerable to developing gum disease if your diet lacks essential nutrients like vitamin C. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system as well as the gums.

Bacteria on your teeth and gums can lead to the formation of plaque. In turn, plaque can harden into tartar and lead to gum inflammation.

Tobacco use or smoking not only increases the risk of gum disease because of its harmful chemicals, but it can also hinder the gums’ healing process.

In some cases, health conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes), genetics, and family history of periodontal disease can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease.

There are some medication that have side effects such as saliva reduction and gum overgrowth. These can contribute to the development of periodontal disease.

Some people unconsciously grind their teeth in their sleep. When this happens repeatedly for a long time, damage can form on the tissue surrounding your teeth and leave it vulnerable to disease.

Can Gum Disease Be Prevented and Treated?

Periodontal disease can be prevented and reversed with the right professional treatment. To prevent gum disease, we recommend sticking to a good oral hygiene routine, scheduling regular visits with your dentist or dental hygienist, and maintaining a healthy diet. When it comes to periodontal treatment, it’s best to consult your dentist or periodontist to determine the appropriate treatment and approach.

At-Home Prevention and Maintenance of Gum Tissue

Whether you’ve already treated your gum disease or you’re trying to prevent it, keep the following maintenance tips in mind:

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and make each brushing session last for two minutes. Use dental floss and a tongue scraper to ensure that your gums and teeth are clean. You can also consider other dental accessories such as water flossers and electric toothbrushes for more efficient cleaning.

Avoid foods such as sugary foods and drinks. Drink plenty of water and eat your fruits and vegetables. Avoid harmful habits like smoking and tobacco use.

Stress can also contribute to periodontal disease as it can weaken your immune system and lead to increased inflammation. So, try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and mindful meditation.

If you’re worried you might be developing periodontal disease, contact your dentist for a diagnosis. It’s better to catch any issues early on so you can address them promptly and prevent them from progressing. Of course, don’t forget to make time for bi-annual dental cleanings to ensure your teeth are healthy and taken care of!

At Home Periodontitis Prevention

How to Treat Gum Disease

Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, there are several periodontal treatments that may work for you:

Nonsurgical Treatments for Gum Disease

This is a non-surgical treatment that involves removing the tartar and plaque from the teeth’s surface as well as above and below the gum line. Your dentist or periodontist may use hand scalers or ultrasonic scalers for this treatment.

Root planing smoothes root surfaces and rough teeth surfaces. Doing so eliminates bacteria and toxins, thus preventing bacteria, tartar, and plaque from building up on these surfaces in the future. This also helps gums reattach more firmly to your teeth. Scaling and root planing are often performed consecutively during the same appointment.

Antibiotics, antibiotic mouth rinses, antiseptic mouthwashes, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain management medications can help manage infection, inflammation, and speed up the healing process. When used in conjunction with other procedures, these medications can contribute to a successful treatment.

Surgical Treatments for Advanced Gum Disease

Flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery involves lifting gums back to expose teeth roots and bone. Then, bacteria, tartar, and dead tissue are removed from the pockets to smoothen the surfaces of the teeth roots.

Bone grafting refers to the process of adding bone tissue to areas where bone was lost through regeneration. Meanwhile, soft tissue grafts is a treatment that adds gum tissue to areas where gum recession took place. Additionally, tissue-stimulating proteins may be incorporated into the treatment materials for quicker healing. Bone grafting and tissue grafting are often done simultaneously.

Also known as laser-assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT), this treatment aims to fix periodontal disease by using laser technology to eliminate bacteria and remove deceased tissue. This process also promotes bone and gum regeneration.

In bone surgery (Osteoplasty and Osteoectomy), your dentist reshapes the damaged bone surrounding your teeth for improved health and stability. In some cases, bone grafts may be used to replace lost bone tissue. Bone graft materials such as autografts (the patient’s own bone), allografts (donor’s bone), and synthetic materials may be used during the process.

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is used in periodontal therapy to stimulate the body’s immune system and natural healing response. This promotes bone tissue regeneration in areas damaged by the infection.

a dentist performing a dental examination on her patient

How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed by a Gum Specialist (Periodontist)?

Your dentist will inspect your gums for signs of infection and inflammation. They may use a periodontal probe to evaluate the health of your gums and measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Dental X-rays and additional diagnostic tests may also be required. Your dentist will then assess your symptoms and risk factors and determine the severity or stage of your gum disease. They will develop a treatment plan that will address your specific needs.