Periodontitis, another name for gum disease, is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissues and, if ignored, can affect the bone that holds and supports your teeth.

Periodontitis is common but usually preventable. Poor dental hygiene is often to blame. Brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental checkups can improve your chances of successfully treating periodontitis and reduce your chance of developing it.

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can grow even in its later stages without showing any symptoms. Although the signs of periodontal disease are usually minimal, they are not totally absent. Gum disease can exhibit the following signs and symptoms.

• Bleeding gums during tooth brushing

• Having red, inflamed gums. Gums in good health should be pink and firm.

• Persistent halitosis or an unpleasant aftertaste

• Formation of empty spaces between gums and teeth

• Recessed gums

• Changes in the way teeth fit together

Even if you are symptom-free, you may still have gum disease. Only a dentist or periodontist can diagnose and monitor gum disease and chart its progression.

 

 

 

Prevention of Gum Disease

You can avoid gum disease by taking care of your teeth and gums. This entails adopting healthy dental hygiene practices and scheduling regular dental examinations (at least once a year).

The three main strategies for preventing periodontitis include:

• Maintaining continuous good oral hygiene at home.

• Routine tartar removal in the dental office.

• Addressing risk factors (including smoking and a poor diet).

 

Oral Hygiene at Home

Follow the below-given tips for proper oral hygiene at home.

• Use a manual or electric toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day.

• Use interdental brushes, also known as interproximal brushes, to clean in between teeth at least once daily.

• Antiseptic mouthwashes can help prevent plaque buildup for up to 12 hours after you brush your teeth.

The best dental hygiene practices can differ greatly from person to person. It is important to speak with your dentist or dental hygienist and get their advice on the best procedures for your situation.

 

 

 

Dental Checkup

Regular gum examinations in a dental office are necessary to prevent gum disease. Periodontitis can be identified early by having a dentist check you every year.

Treatment can be initiated immediately if the symptoms are present. Early intervention can stop further damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.

 

 

Address Risk Factors

Taking steps to reduce risk factors can also aid in delaying the onset of periodontitis. Periodontitis can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding or lowering stress, eating a balanced diet, and exercising. Another important step in preventing periodontitis is to quit smoking.

 

 

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

There are many treatment options for gum disease depending on the severity of the condition, how you may have responded to previous treatments, and your general health.

 

Treatment options include non-surgical therapies to inhibit bacterial development and surgery to rebuild supporting tissues.

Non-surgical Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Non-surgical methods of treating gum disease include:

1.    Antibiotics.

Antibiotics can be applied topically or taken orally to treat bacterial infections. Topical antibiotics include mouthwashes and gels applied to the space between your teeth and gums. However, it could be necessary to take oral antibiotics to get rid of infection-causing germs.

 

2.    Professional teeth cleaning.

During a regular dental checkup, your dentist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all teeth. Your dentist might advise scheduling a professional dental cleaning more frequently if you have the symptoms of gum disease. A dental cleaning cannot treat active gum disease. However, it is a vital preventive step to stave off its growth.

 

3.    Scaling and root planning.

A non-surgical treatment called scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, smoothing out rough places on the tooth root. Creating a clean surface allows the gums to reconnect to the teeth. Scaling and root planning are carried out if your dentist finds that you need the removal of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque, commonly known as tartar) under your gums.

 

Surgical procedures

Surgical procedures can help if you have advanced periodontitis. These methods include flap surgery, soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, stimulatory protein coating, and guided tissue regeneration.

 

 

Final Words

As you can see, the majority of cases of gum disease are preventable with good oral hygiene. However, using toothpaste alone is not enough; it is best to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Booking a dentist visit as soon as you discover the symptoms of gum disease is even more important. Doing this can stop gum disease from progressing into a more severe form. The sooner you get treated, the lesser the chances of tooth loss.

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