How to Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammation and/or infection of the gums. This oral problem affects over half of the population with some people being more prone to suffering from it than others. The leading cause of gum disease is poor dental hygiene. Some of the symptoms that might be experienced when suffering from gum disease are: 

• Bleeding from the gums
• Bad breath
• Gums that look reddish or purple
• Unpleasant taste
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Change in the alignment of the teeth

There are four stages of gum disease. Your best bet is to act upon the earlier stages for treatment to be effective. Below is the list of the stages: 

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It manifests as red gums that look and feel puffy. The gums may bleed during brushing or flossing. This stage does not affect bone loss. This is also the stage that is totally reversible with proper treatment. 

Stage 2: Mild Periodontitis

Mild periodontitis occurs when the bacteria seeps beneath the gums. At this stage, the supporting bone begins to get affected. The gums may begin to pull away from the teeth which might create pockets around them. This creates space for plaque and bacteria to hide where toothbrushes and floss can’t reach them. 

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

This stage happens when the previous two are left untreated. The bacteria begin to erode the ligaments, soft tissues, and even the bone that holds the teeth in place. Bad breath, puss around the gums, and pain are not uncommon at this point.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

Gum disease will continue to advance when no treatment is implemented. Bone loss will continue during advanced periodontitis and teeth will begin to loosen and fall out. 

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Gum disease is not known to be curable. Once bone loss occurs, you can not get it back. However, there are several treatment options that can help manage gum disease and even ensure that it does not progress any further. 

Improved Oral Hygiene and Regular Dental Cleanings

The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is reversible considering that there is no bone loss at this stage. Your best course of action against gingivitis is improved oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. These two actions together ensure that the harmful bacteria is removed before the disease progresses. In order for this to work, you will want to brush and floss your teeth twice daily and get dental cleanings bi-annually. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are similar to dental cleanings, with the exception that it cleans deeper beneath the gums. This removes plaque and bacteria where the toothbrush and floss are not able to reach. This treatment is recommended for patients with mild periodontitis. This procedure is usually done using local anesthesia. You can expect the process to take up to  two visits.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

If you are suffering from moderate to advanced periodontitis, a pocket reduction surgery might be a good treatment option for you. This surgery removes the plaque and tartar that have gone so deep into the gums that even the dentist can’t see it. This procedure consists of an incision in the gums that creates a flap. The gums will be temporarily moved back from the teeth root. The plaque and tartar will be removed from deep within the gums. The gums will be repositioned once the cleaning is completed and stitched back together. 

Bone Grafting

If you’ve lost some of your bone to the disease, a dental bone graft could be used to replace it. This is done once the infection has been cleaned out. Essentially, bone grafting material is inserted into the areas where the bone has eroded. This material is great as a space-holder and provides your body the opportunity to regenerate its own bone overtime. 

Gum Grafting

Some patients experience tissue loss from gum disease. This is where gum grafting comes in. This procedure covers the teeth roots that are exposed and thickens the gum lines. You can expect tissue to be added to the areas that have suffered the tissue loss. The tissue may be taken from the roof of your mouth or it can be purchased from a licensed bone tissue bank. 

The above treatments may or may not be the best course of action for your current situation. There are also other treatment options that can be explored depending on your specific circumstances. We have a Periodontist on our team to ensure that we maintain the highest and most modern standards of care. We understand that gum disease can escalate quickly. Please contact our office to book a consultation if you are suspecting that you might be suffering from gum disease.