Tackling Gum Disease: Your Path to Healthier Gums

Are you noticing bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum recession? The Doreen Dentist offers solutions that address the root cause of gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease happens when plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth. This buildup causes your gums to react to the bacteria, resulting in redness, swelling, and tenderness. You might also notice your gums bleeding when you brush or floss. This condition, in its initial stage is commonly known as gingivitis.

What is Gum Disease Treatment?

Treating gum disease involves various dental procedures aimed at reducing infection and repairing tissues damaged by periodontal disease. These procedures are typically performed by periodontists, although general dentists may also handle milder cases of gum disease.
Addressing gum disease promptly gives you a better chance of maintaining long-term oral health. In its initial stage, gum disease can be reversed. However, if it progresses, it can damage your gums and the supporting bone. This damage creates gaps, or periodontal pockets, around your teeth, which can lead to:

Non-surgical Procedures for Treating Gum Disease

Deep dental cleaning

This removes plaque and tartar on your root surfaces.

Antibiotics

Where certain antibiotics are placed in between your gums and teeth to clear infection.

Dental prophylaxis

Which refers to a routine dental cleanup that is encouraged twice a year.

Surgical Procedures for Treating Gum Disease

Gum grafting

Since gum recession is common in gum disease, your own gum tissue is grafted where your gums have receded.

Bone grafting

Using your own bone or a synthetic one, areas damaged by gum disease is rebuilt.

Pocket reduction surgery

After creating incisions on your gum line, the tartar is then removed from the root surfaces of your teeth.

Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment

The benefits of treating gum disease far exceed the drawbacks. If left untreated, gum disease will persist in its destructive course, causing ongoing infection, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. However, with timely treatment, you can:

Remove harmful bacteria from your mouth
Prevent bone loss in your jaw
Eliminate bad breath
Achieve healthier gums that are no longer red, swollen, or tender
Lower your risk of stroke, heart disease, and various other health issues

FAQs

Can I manage gum disease without seeing a dentist?

Gum disease cannot be cured, only managed. Successful management requires the expertise of a dentist or periodontist because bacteria can penetrate deep below the gum surface, areas that brushing and flossing can’t reach.

How often should I see a dentist for gum disease treatment?

The frequency of visits depends on the severity of the gum disease. For mild cases, regular check-ups every 6-12 months might suffice, but more frequent visits may be necessary for advanced cases.

How long does it take to see results from gum disease treatment?

Initial improvements in gum health can often be seen within a few weeks after treatment. However, full recovery and stabilisation may take several months, depending on the severity of the disease.

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