Treating gum disease
Options and recommendations
There is swelling in the gums called gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease. This swelling is caused by plaque buildup. If you don’t treat it, it can get worse, like losing teeth, and even affect your general health. The good news is that gum disease can be easily treated at different times.
As soon as possible, get professional cleanings done
When gum disease is in its early stages, gingivitis, the gums are often swollen, red, and bleeding. At this point, the goal is to get rid of the plaque and stop it from getting worse. Cleaning your teeth regularly, usually every six months, is very important. A hygienist does scaling during the cleaning. This removes plaque and tartar (stiff plaque) from both above and below the gum line. This skilled cleaning gets to places that you can’t get to with just flossing and brushing.
Scaling and root planing
If gingivitis gets worse and turns into periodontitis, which has deeper gum pockets and bone loss, you need a deeper cleaning called scaling and root cutting. It gets rid of plaque and tartar in a way similar to scaling. But root cutting smooths out rough spots on tooth roots, which makes it harder for plaque to stick back on. Because of the deep cleaning, this procedure may need local anaesthesia and may be done over more than one session, based on how bad it is.
Antibiotics: Lending a Helping Hand in Specific Situations
Sometimes, your dentist may suggest antibiotics along with scaling and tooth planing. These medicines work against bacterial infections in the gum pockets and help the body heal. Antibiotics are usually only used for short periods of time and only when a dentist thinks it’s necessary.
When gum disease gets too bad, surgery is needed to fix it.
If you have severe periodontitis with deep pockets and a lot of bone loss, you may need surgery. A common option is flap surgery, which includes lifting the gum tissue to get to the root surfaces and clean them well. In some cases, bone grafting may be used to replace bone that was lost because of the illness. These treatments are done by a periodontist, who is an expert in gum health.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy: Beyond Treatment
Gum disease can be treated, but for long-term gum health, you need to stick to a regular oral hygiene practice. It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. When you floss every day, you get rid of plaque and food bits that a toothbrush can’t reach. If flossing is hard for you, you might want to use an interdental cleaner like a water flosser.
Getting regular checkups with your dentist, usually every six months, lets them keep an eye on your gum health and act quickly if problems arise. Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugary foods is also good for your teeth.
Final Thoughts
Gum disease can be cured, but it’s important to find and treat it early. Your best tools in this fight are regular dental cleanings, careful oral hygiene, and a healthy diet. Do not wait to make an appointment with your doctor if you think you might have gum disease. Together, you can get and keep your gums in great shape so you can smile with confidence for a lifetime.