Dentists on Gum Disease

Many people have questions about gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. ‘Periodontal’ literally means the area around the root of the tooth and that is the area this disease attacks, hence the name.

The greater availability of information on the Internet means that more people are aware of these things but that doesn’t mean they understand them or know how to treat them.

Dentists confirm that three out of five sufferers of gum disease have no idea what it is or how to prevent it. But they agree that this figure is not surprising.

That’s because gum disease is a steady but silent infection that inflicts slow damage over time. The bacteria that gum disease thrives on sits hidden under the gums at the root of the tooth.

With time this bacteria attacks the tooth enamel and infects the gums. At the early stages of gum disease it is common to see bleeding and swollen gums. Further symptoms include bad breath, spreading gums and loose teeth.

When faced with a patient who has gum disease, dentists will generally opt for the least invasive treatment. Gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease is reversible. This typically is treated with a deep cleaning which only a specialist dentist can do.

This non-surgical treatment involves the dentist numbing the mouth so that a deep cleanse under the gum can take place. The patient feels nothing other than a slight discomfort and may have sensitive gums for a few weeks after.

However, the treatment does not stop there and to ensure the total success of the procedure, it is necessary for the patient to maintain a strict dental hygiene routine at home. This includes regular brushing, flossing and possibly also a mouthwash.

More advanced gum disease is said to possibly require surgical procedures to treat it. There are two main types of surgical procedures. They include flap surgery and soft tissue or bone grafts.

In flap surgery, the gums are pulled back so that the inside and the roots of the teeth can be cleaned. The gums are then stitched back into place to counteract the receding caused by gum disease.

Soft tissue or bone grafting involves filling in the pockets around the base of the tooth to counteract the erosion gum disease has caused. Laser therapy is also a way to treat advanced gum disease, although this option can be more expensive than traditional surgical options.