Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a widespread condition that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Treatment aims to manage infection, prevent further tissue destruction, and restore oral health. The approach depends on the stage of the disease and involves dental care beyond routine brushing and flossing.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of the disease, identified by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing. It develops from poor oral hygiene and can be reversed with professional dental care and improved at-home practices.
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of this disease that develops when gingivitis is not addressed. Bacterial plaque moves below the gum line and produces toxins that cause inflammation, breaking down the tissues and bone that support the teeth. As a result, gums may pull away from the teeth, creating infected pockets. Continued disease progression leads to further tissue and bone loss.
What Causes It?
Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. This sticky film of bacteria forms on teeth and, if not removed, hardens into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional and provides a surface for bacteria to multiply, making oral hygiene maintenance more challenging. Several factors can increase the risk of developing this disease. Smoking is a major risk and may reduce treatment success. Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and increase the chance of gingivitis. Diabetes raises the risk of all infections, including gum disease.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment focuses on infection control and preventing further spread into other areas of the mouth. The choice of approach depends on the disease’s stage and whether other treatment options have yielded insufficient results. Dental professionals provide care such as thorough cleanings, and patients follow daily oral hygiene routines at home.
Professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line during routine checkups. Patients with signs of gum disease may be advised to have more frequent cleanings. Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to encourage the gums to reattach.
Surgery may involve lifting the gums to remove tartar and smoothing bone surfaces if needed. The gums are then repositioned around the teeth to reduce pocket depth and limit areas for bacterial growth. Laser treatment may also be used in some cases. This approach uses focused light energy to target and remove inflamed gum tissue, aiming to reduce bacteria and promote healing with minimal discomfort.
Meet With Your Dentist
Regular dental visits support the management of gum disease by allowing for early detection and professional treatment. Dentists can find early signs and provide care to protect oral health. If you notice bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment to discuss evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis allows for more straightforward interventions and may help preserve natural teeth. Dentists can also provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, supporting you through every stage of care.
