Gum disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis affects the gums. Periodontitis can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.
Treatments for gum disease, vary for each patient. The goals for the treatment of gingivitis and periodontal diseases are to identify the factors of gum disease and eliminate them to prevent the gum disease from deteriorating further.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease can affect the soft and hard tissues that are surrounding and supporting your teeth. The primary factor of this gum disease is chronic bacterial infection, which comes from dental plaque – a very fine, thin, and colorless film on your teeth that is formed from the food we eat.
Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar needs professional removal.
Good daily oral hygiene and professional dental care help prevent and manage gum disease. Your dentist can assess the condition and recommend treatment.
Signs of Periodontal Disease:
Redness and swelling around the gum line
Bleeding gum when touched, especially while brushing
Halitosis or bad breath
Recession of the gingiva or elongation of teeth
Gaps between the teeth
Risk factors that cannot be controlled:
Genetics
Pregnancy and/ or hormonal changes
Systematic disease such as osteoporosis, chronic disease, diabetes mellitus and anaemia
Risk factors that can be controlled:
Poor oral health habits
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Obesity
Inadequate nutrition, including Vitamin C deficiency
What Types of Specialists Treat Gum Disease?
Periodontists are the dental specialists who had additional training after completing dental school to focus entirely on the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of gum and bone disease surrounding the teeth.
In advanced cases of periodontitis, a periodontist may recommend various procedures to help treat the gum disease. Periodontists are highly skilled in performing bone and gum disease treatments of other conditions such as gingivoplasty, gum and bone grafts, implants, functional and aesthetic gingivectomy and crown lengthening.
Is It Possible to Reverse Gum Disease?
Gingivitis is early gum inflammation that can often be reversed with professional care and good daily oral hygiene. Periodontitis can damage the supporting tissues and bone. Treatment aims to control infection and prevent further damage, with ongoing maintenance. Your dentist will explain what can be improved in your case.
Learn more: NIDCR gum disease information and CDC information on gingivitis and periodontitis.
