Treatment of Gum Diseases - Periodontology
Having healthy teeth is very important both for human health and appearance. To have healthy teeth, it is also necessary to have healthy gums. Gum disease, which begins as gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis depending on its form and severity, must be treated. Periodontology is the branch of dentistry specialising in the tissues surrounding the teeth. Diseases affecting the gums and surrounding tissues are referred to as periodontal diseases.
Dental Cleaning
Contents
What are Periodontal Diseases?
Periodontal diseases are essentially diseases that arise as a result of infection or inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Research shows that 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have periodontal disease. Among those aged 65 and over, this rate rises to 70.1%.
The classification of commonly seen periodontal diseases is generally as follows.
- Gingivitis
- Chronic Periodontitis
- Aggressive Periodontitis
- Periodontitis as a Symptom of Systemic Diseases
- Necrotising Periodontal Diseases
- Periodontal Abscesses
- Periodontitis Associated with Endodontic Lesions
- Developmental and
- Acquired Deformities
Periodontology is the branch of science concerned with gum diseases that begin with bleeding gums and, as they progress, cause the teeth to loosen and fall out, as well as their surgical and non-surgical treatments. The clinical symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, red, swollen and sensitive gums, gums that easily separate from the teeth, loose and shifting teeth, and persistent bad breath. Treatment may sometimes involve only better oral hygiene and professional dental scaling.
Untreated gum inflammation can progress to periodontitis. The plaque that causes gum inflammation gradually spreads and advances below the gum line. Toxins produced by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. This irritation eventually damages the tissues that support the teeth. The gums separate from the teeth, and as a result, the spaces between the teeth and gums become infected. As the disease progresses, the gums separate further from the teeth, more tissue is damaged, and eventually tooth loss may occur.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is considered the beginning of gum disease. It is a condition that causes swelling of the gums, redness of the gums, and bleeding during tooth cleaning, brushing, or flossing. Healthy gums are light pink in colour, similar to the colour of a rose petal. The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque that forms around the gums. Failure to remove this plaque can lead to poor gum health and cause many problems. If bacterial plaque is not removed, the gums become red and slightly swollen. The gums begin to lose their ability to adhere tightly to the teeth. The most important sign of gum disease is bleeding during tooth brushing. In addition, bleeding when biting certain foods can also be a sign of gum disease. In this case, you should definitely see a dentist.
Periodontitis
Gingivitis, or basic gum disease, can be remedied with good oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, this condition will progress over time to a more advanced form of disease called periodontitis. In the presence of periodontitis, the fibres between the tooth root and the jawbone begin to dissolve, and pockets form between the gums and the teeth. These pockets can accumulate bacteria, toxins, and food debris, which can cause infections to spread to these tissues. Periodontal diseases are quite common. According to research, periodontal diseases account for up to 70 per cent of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal diseases can progress without showing any visible signs or causing any pain in the patient. Therefore, early diagnosis is important, and regular check-ups by a gum disease specialist are essential.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is a condition that causes social and psychological problems among gum diseases. Advanced gum disease and neglected oral health can lead to bad breath. Advanced gum disease, tooth decay and other dental problems, smoking and alcohol consumption, antidepressants, anticholinergic, diuretic and antiparkinsonian drugs that cause dry mouth, diabetes, stomach, liver and throat infections, and vitamin deficiencies can all be causes.
Periodontal diseases are largely preventable and controllable conditions. The most important stage in periodontal treatment is for the patient to learn how to maintain oral health by effectively and regularly cleaning their gums, teeth and interdental spaces.
Early diagnosis of gum disease is crucial for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. During initial treatment, local factors that facilitate bacterial adhesion should also be eliminated, such as replacing poor and overflowing fillings, filling decayed teeth, and correcting prostheses that do not fit properly or are misshapen. Root canal treatments and extraction of hopeless teeth that cannot be saved should also be performed.
What is Gum Treatment? How Long Does It Take?
Gum disease is assessed in three different stages. If it is in the first stage, treatment is easier and shorter. However, in the second and third stages, treatment takes longer and is a more arduous process for patients. The duration of treatment may vary depending on how advanced the disease is and the condition of the patient’s gums. Therefore, it would be misleading to give you a definite time frame. It is advisable to visit your dentist as soon as you experience any discomfort to ensure that gum disease is treated promptly.
Some patients may notice bleeding in their gums while brushing their teeth. This raises the question of whether bleeding occurs in healthy gums. We can state clearly that bleeding does not occur in healthy gums. Bleeding in the gums is definitely one of the conditions that should be taken seriously. Gum bleeding can be caused by many different reasons. Therefore, you should make an appointment with a dentist without delay so that the cause of the bleeding can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started immediately. Many different conditions, such as receding or inflamed gums, can cause bleeding gums. If left untreated, this condition can lead to tooth loss.
Gum recession is one of the health issues that must be addressed, as it can lead to tooth loss. In order to treat gum recession, its cause must first be investigated. Gum recession can occur due to many different factors, such as grinding your teeth at night or incorrect tooth brushing techniques. The aim is to stop gum recession by identifying and eliminating its cause. In addition, following an examination, different treatment methods can be tried, such as covering the receding gums with gum grafts taken from the palate. However, to determine whether these and similar treatments are suitable for you, you must first undergo an examination.
The first stage of treatment involves your dentist removing hard deposits that have formed on your teeth using specialised instruments. To ensure the treatment is effective, you will be taught how to properly clean the microbial dental plaque causing the disease using dental floss and a toothbrush. This method is sufficient for simple gum inflammation. However, in more severe infections, periodontal surgery is performed using biomaterials to treat the pockets that form due to bone loss between the teeth and gums. Sometimes, a bloodless, painless and stitch-free treatment method is applied using technological devices such as lasers. After these procedures, patients are scheduled for check-ups at 3, 6 and 12-month intervals. At each check-up, your interproximal cleaning and brushing technique will be evaluated.
The aim of the treatments is to thoroughly clean the pockets around the teeth of bacteria and plaque that can cause infection, while ensuring that the tissues in the area are not damaged during these procedures. Different periodontal treatment approaches may be preferred depending on the patient’s specific condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
If periodontitis has not progressed, non-surgical treatments are preferred. Procedures such as cleaning structures known as dental calculus or tartar, and smoothing root surfaces to prevent further bacterial and tartar formation are among the non-surgical treatments.
Gingival Graft Surgery
This is a procedure performed to cover the roots and expand the gum tissue in areas where there is no gum tissue due to excessive gum recession. By placing gum tissue taken from a donor site into the receded areas, tooth loss is prevented and further damage to the tissues in the area is avoided. This procedure also eliminates the unsightly appearance caused by recession.
Laser Treatment
The aim of periodontal treatments is to preserve the tissues at the highest possible level. In treatments using laser technology, the laser is intended solely to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms found in the gum pocket.
Regenerative Procedures
When the bone tissue supporting the teeth is destroyed due to periodontal disease, regenerative procedures are recommended. This procedure involves folding back the gum tissue, cleaning the bacteria in the pockets, and then using bone grafts and tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage the body’s ability to regenerate bone and tissue.
Tooth Crown Lengthening
In some cases, the gums may be much longer than they should be. In this case, a tooth crown lengthening procedure is performed. This procedure helps to expose and treat damaged tissues that are hidden beneath excessively long gums.
Dental Implants
In cases of tooth loss due to periodontal disease, an implant can be placed to replace the lost tooth.
Gingival Recession Reduction Procedures
As a result of periodontal disease, the tissues surrounding the teeth become damaged and pockets form around the teeth. Over time, these pockets deepen, allowing bacteria to spread to a wider area. An increase in the amount of bacteria collected in the pockets causes further damage to the teeth. To prevent this, the pockets are reduced in size. The pocket reduction procedure is performed on deep pockets that cannot be cleaned during home oral care.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Healthy gums are a colour between pale pink and dark pink and have a firm texture.
- Bad breath,
- Gums that are sensitive to touch,
- Loose teeth,
- Pain while chewing,
- Gums that bleed easily,
- Pinkish discolouration on the toothbrush after brushing,
- Gums that are bright red, purple, or dark red in colour,
- Inflammation between the teeth and gums
- Symptoms such as receding gums, which cause teeth to appear longer than normal, are considered indicators of gum disease.
Symptoms of periodontitis include: swollen and reddened gums, receding and enlarged gums, increased gum sensitivity and occasional bleeding, gaps forming between teeth, inflammation, loosening, abscess formation, unpleasant odour in the mouth, and tooth loss.
Periodontitis at an early stage can be treated with simple methods. However, advanced periodontitis is treated with surgical methods.
What Are the Factors That Cause Gum Disease?
Although bacterial plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, many everyday habits can also contribute to this gum disease. These factors include smoking, medication use, stress, certain illnesses, and dietary habits.
Stress and poor nutrition: Periodontitis is a condition that develops more rapidly during periods when the body feels stressed. Stress is a factor that makes it difficult to combat gum infections, and being stressed is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Apart from stress, another cause of gum disease is poor nutrition. Foods that are safe for oral health and nutritious should be consumed regularly and in sufficient quantities.
Medication use: Some medications can affect the tissues in the mouth due to their chemical composition and have adverse effects on gum health. These medications include antidepressants, epilepsy medications, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, heart medications, asthma medications, and sprays.
Diabetes: In diabetes, which occurs due to reasons such as insulin deficiency, absence, or reduced effectiveness, the risk of periodontal disorders is high. Gum diseases can progress more easily and lead to severe consequences due to the effects of complications that arise. Therefore, diabetic patients must pay serious attention to their oral and dental health. Regular dental check-ups are also important for diabetic patients.
Pregnancy-Menopause: During menopause and pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause changes in gum tissue. As the risk of gum disease is higher during these periods, extra care must be taken with daily dental and oral hygiene.
Smoking: Smoking poses a serious risk for gum disease. According to research, people who smoke have a much higher rate of tartar build-up than those who do not smoke. It has been found that smokers have deeper gum pockets and a higher rate of tissue loss. The heat emitted by cigarettes and the substances they contain can cause gum inflammation.
What is Gum Disease?
The initial stage of gum disease is usually gingivitis. Gingivitis is a soft, sticky tissue that forms on the gums and around the teeth. Failure to maintain regular oral and dental hygiene, or even not using dental floss, can cause inflammation of the gums. This is because dental floss removes the layer of plaque that forms on the teeth. When the tooth surface is covered with dental plaque, inflammation also occurs in the gums. Therefore, we can state that the most fundamental cause of gum inflammation is dental plaque. If gum inflammation is not treated, permanent damage can occur to the teeth, gums, and even the jawbone.
How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?
Even if you take care of your oral and dental health, you must still visit the dentist regularly. This is because, even if someone with very unhealthy teeth claims to brush them every day, we can see during the examination that a significant amount of dental plaque has formed. Dental plaque, if not professionally removed by a dentist, turns into tartar. Dental calculus cannot be removed from teeth with a toothbrush or dental floss. In this case, it must be cleaned by a dentist. If you want to prevent gum inflammation, you must pay maximum attention to oral and dental hygiene and have your teeth checked every six months. The use of tobacco products alone can cause gum inflammation. Therefore, you should not use cigarettes or other tobacco products. You should pay attention to this issue not only for your dental health but also for the health of your entire body.
What Should Be Considered Regarding Food Consumption Throughout Pregnancy in Terms of Oral and Dental Health?
Fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy products, meat, fish, and eggs should be consumed in a balanced manner, along with staple foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as phosphorus and calcium. To avoid damaging teeth, consumption of sugary foods should be avoided as much as possible (especially between meals). Sticky sugary foods such as dried fruit and caramel should be avoided.
Can Dental Treatment Be Performed During Pregnancy?
During the first three months of pregnancy, when the baby’s organs are developing, effective dental treatment should be avoided. Treatments should be postponed until the second trimester. In urgent situations, such as tooth or gum inflammation, the consideration that the existing infection may affect the baby’s development more than the negative effects of dental treatment should be prioritised, and dental treatment should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of an obstetrician. During the last three months, the mother may experience discomfort during dental treatment because she may find it difficult to get into the necessary positions for treatment and may not be able to sit in the chair for long periods of time.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Swelling and redness of the gums may be observed in the early stages of pregnancy. Gums in this condition are quite sensitive and bleed easily. These changes in women’s gums during pregnancy are caused by increased secretion of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Pregnancy gingivitis usually begins in the second month of pregnancy and peaks in the eighth month, resolving spontaneously after delivery. Factors such as bacterial plaque or tartar, which cause gum irritation and occur in people who do not practise regular daily oral hygiene, can make pregnancy gingivitis more severe. If there is deep tartar build-up on the teeth, it should be removed by a dentist. As with other dental treatments, tartar cleaning should be performed during the second trimester of pregnancy.
I took antibiotics while pregnant. Will this affect my baby's teeth?
The belief that every antibiotic used causes staining on a baby’s teeth is incorrect. The group of antibiotics that cause discolouration of teeth are ‘tetracyclines’. It has not been proven that other antibiotics cause discolouration.
What is the calcium requirement during pregnancy? Do the mother's teeth decay?
For the healthy development of the baby’s and mother’s bones, the mother needs 1200-1500 mg of calcium daily. During pregnancy, women should meet their calcium requirements by consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products and green leafy vegetables. If sufficient calcium cannot be obtained from food, the amount necessary for the baby’s development is taken from the mother’s bones. Calcium is not dissolved from the teeth.
Is it true that you lose a tooth with every birth?
The notion that during pregnancy, the baby takes the calcium it needs from the mother’s teeth, causing her teeth to decay quickly and leading to tooth loss in pregnant women, is incorrect. Calcium requirements are met from the bones. The reason for increased tooth loss during pregnancy is inadequate care and gum problems.
How Long Does Gum Treatment Take?
Gum disease is assessed in three different stages. If it is in the first stage, treatment is easier and shorter. However, in the second and third stages, treatment takes longer and is a more arduous process for patients. The duration of treatment may vary depending on how advanced the disease is and the condition of the patient’s gums. Therefore, it would be misleading to give you a definite time frame. It is advisable to visit your dentist as soon as you experience any discomfort to ensure that gum disease is treated promptly.
Does bleeding occur in healthy gums?
Some patients may notice slight bleeding in their gums when brushing their teeth. This raises the question of whether bleeding occurs in healthy gums. We can state clearly that bleeding does not occur in healthy gums. Bleeding in the gums is definitely one of the conditions that should be taken seriously. Gum bleeding can be caused by many different reasons. Therefore, you should make an appointment with a dentist without delay so that the cause of the gum bleeding can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started immediately. Many different conditions, such as receding or inflamed gums, can cause bleeding gums. If not prevented and treated, this condition can lead to tooth loss.
Is there a treatment for receding gums?
Gum recession is one of the health issues that must be addressed, as it can lead to tooth loss. In order to treat gum recession, its cause must first be investigated. Gum recession can occur due to many different factors, such as grinding your teeth at night or incorrect tooth brushing techniques. The aim is to stop gum recession by identifying and eliminating its cause. In addition, following an examination, different treatment methods can be tried, such as covering the receding gums with gum grafts taken from the palate. However, to determine whether these and similar treatments are suitable for you, you must first undergo an examination.
Is there an age limit for gum treatments?
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether there is a specific age limit for the treatment of gum disease. Treatments for gum disease can be applied at any age. However, it should be noted that the treatment period tends to be longer in older individuals. As many factors, such as tissue healing, slow down with age, treatments for gum disease may require a longer waiting period to achieve results. Nevertheless, treatments for gum disease can be administered to individuals under the age of 18. As there is no age limit, if you suspect you have a problem with your gums, it is advisable to make an appointment with a dentist without delay.
What is Dark Red Gums?
If your gums appear dark red when brushing your teeth, this indicates a gum problem, and it should be noted that this problem can lead to tooth loss. If you encounter such a situation, you must visit a dentist. Methods for Preventing Dark Red Gums: To prevent your gums from appearing this way, you should take the following steps: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using Parodontax daily expert toothpaste. Parodontax daily expert toothpaste is four times more effective at preventing plaque than regular toothpaste.
- Brushing should be done paying attention to the gum line, and a brush with a small head and soft bristles should be preferred.
- Dental floss should be used to clean the plaque between the teeth.
- Mouthwash should be used daily.
- Regular visits to the dentist should be made even if there are no symptoms.
What is Dark Red Gums Treatment?
The first stage of treatment involves your dentist removing hard deposits that have formed on your teeth using specialised instruments. To ensure the treatment is effective, you will be taught how to properly clean the microbial dental plaque causing the disease using dental floss and a toothbrush. This method is sufficient for simple gum inflammation. However, in more severe infections, periodontal surgery is performed using biomaterials to treat the pockets that form due to bone loss between the teeth and gums. Sometimes, a bloodless, painless and stitch-free treatment method is applied using technological devices such as lasers. After these procedures, patients are scheduled for check-ups at 3, 6 and 12-month intervals. At each check-up, your interproximal cleaning and brushing technique will be evaluated.
What is Gum Disease?
Gingivitis is an oral problem that causes pain in the mouth. It usually occurs in people who do not pay attention to oral and dental care, but it can also be caused by poor nutrition and certain diseases. The severity of gingivitis varies depending on the affected area and can sometimes lead to problems with speaking and eating. It is often expected to resolve on its own within a few days. During this time, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid excessive contact with the inflamed area. Constant touching and fiddling can spread the inflammation. While inflammation is common in most people, it is essential to consult a specialist doctor if it is severe and very painful.
What are the symptoms of gum inflammation?
Poor oral hygiene, an unbalanced diet and many other conditions can lead to gum inflammation. Moreover, this condition causes pain in the teeth throughout the day. As it is caused by an increase in bacteria, it also exhibits various symptoms. There are multiple symptoms of gum inflammation. The most common symptom is excessive bad breath. Bacteria and inflammation cause bad breath. Symptoms of gum inflammation include pain when speaking, white inflammation, receding gums, loose teeth, and bleeding gums. However, it can often occur at a mild level. In fact, symptoms may not even be experienced most of the time. As the inflammation increases, the symptoms can become more severe. Therefore, early prevention and treatment are very important.
What are the causes of gum inflammation?
Gingivitis is one of the most common dental problems. It usually causes bleeding, redness and slight swelling of the gums. However, as it does not cause much pain, it is an infection that is often neglected. There are many factors that cause this condition. It can be caused by smoking, diabetes, broken fillings, pregnancy, poor dental hygiene, structural defects in the teeth, genetic factors, and the use of certain medications. Additionally, factors such as brushing teeth too vigorously and using incorrect brushing techniques can also cause gum inflammation. If gum inflammation is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications. These complications may include severe pain and bad breath.
How is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
Gingivitis is an oral and dental disease usually caused by bacterial infections. While it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, gingivitis usually develops as a minor inflammation. Depending on its location, it may not cause any discomfort to the individual, and in some cases, particularly with severe inflammation, it can cause difficulties in chewing, speaking, and eating. In patients who visit the dentist with complaints such as tooth sensitivity, pain, swelling, or inflammation, the diagnosis of gingivitis can generally be easily made through a physical examination. In addition to the physical examination, dentists evaluate previous dental procedures, medical history, and symptoms. During the examination, the teeth and gums, lips, and tongue are checked. The spaces and pockets between the teeth are examined.
What Causes Gum Swelling?
Gum problems are among the most common issues encountered in oral and dental health. They are generally more prevalent in people who do not brush their teeth regularly and do not use dental floss. Hard toothbrushes, poor-quality toothpaste and poor nutrition also cause gum swelling. The most fundamental cause of gum swelling is plaque that forms on the teeth. Food debris accumulating on the tooth enamel settles there over time and forms structures called tartar. These structures are an extremely favourable environment for microorganisms. Bacteria settling on tartar cause gum swelling over time. In addition, various other conditions can cause gum swelling. It is beneficial to have a dental examination to determine the correct cause.
Gum Treatments – Healthy Gums
We aim to protect your teeth through early diagnosis and periodontal treatments for gum problems such as bleeding, swelling and odour. We plan scaling and root planing, surgical and aesthetic gum treatments on a case-by-case basis.
What is good for gum disease?
Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease is very important. Maintaining oral and dental health through home care and not neglecting regular dental check-ups is also important. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash every two days, and quitting tobacco products are among the things you can do to protect yourself from gum disease. It is very important to follow your doctor’s recommendations if you are diagnosed with gum disease.
Should I take vitamins for gum disease?
Although it is not accurate to directly link gum disease to vitamin deficiency, studies show that deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are critical to human health can affect gum health. Vitamin C, Omega 3, vitamin D, B complex vitamins, and zinc deficiency are commonly seen in people with gum disease. Healthy nutrition is therefore very important for oral and dental health.
How do you get healthy gums?
Healthy gums have similar characteristics in terms of colour and structure. Gums that are light pink to dark pink in colour and do not appear loose are considered healthy. Redness, a bluish colour, or a loose appearance in the gums indicates a problem. Bad breath is also a sign of a problem with the gums.
Does gum recession reverse?
Gum recession or periodontitis is a common condition, but it is preventable. Regular oral and dental care and regular visits to the dentist are very important. People in high-risk groups in particular need to visit the dentist more frequently. Gum recession is a health problem that can be treated with different approaches depending on its severity. However, if the problem is not diagnosed and therefore no intervention is made, tooth loss may occur.
Is tartar removal harmful?
The belief that ‘dental tartar removal is harmful,’ which is unfortunately widespread among the public, is completely incorrect. It is essential to remove dental tartar, which damages oral health and causes the bone around the teeth to deteriorate. Failure to remove it results in teeth becoming loose and falling out at an early age.
Does teeth cleaning thin my teeth?
In dental calculus removal, an ultrasonic device called a cavitron is used. When used correctly, this device does not damage the tooth surface. It only removes deposits from the tooth surface.
Will it hurt during gum treatment?
During gum treatment, local anaesthesia is administered to the area depending on the type of treatment, ensuring that no pain or discomfort is felt during the procedure.
What helps with bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums are a symptom of disease. You should see a dentist without delay.