Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and the bone that support the teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fall out.
Gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.
Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. That’s why brushing and flossing every day – and regular trips to the dentist – are so important.
Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time (about the length of your favorite song), and floss daily. If you’re not sure whether you’re brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best techniques.Always brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride; some dentists also recommend daily mouth rinses containing fluoride.Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue. Be sure to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months – a worn-out toothbrush can injure your gums. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid snacks and junk food packed with sugar that plaque-causing bacteria love to feed on. Don’t smoke! Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation and are very unhealthy for gums and teeth. Regular dental care is extremely important to keep your mouth healthy. Visit Cross Dental twice a year.
What can gum disease mean for a diabetic?
Gingivitis is an infection within the gums caused by bacteria found in plaque. A diabetic patient’s body does not respond as quickly to the infection as a non-diabetic. If the infection persists, it can spread to the underlying bone that supports and anchors the teeth.
It has been shown that diabetics who keep their condition under control and maintain good oral hygiene have a far better chance of combating infection than those who are poorly controlled.
What happens if I just ignore getting my teeth cleaned?
As the plaque and calculus accumulate, the periodontal disease continues. Supporting tissues around the teeth (gums, periodontal ligaments, bone) are lost.
Periodontal pockets form which trap additional plaque. Bad breath often accompanies this condition. Once the bone that supports the teeth is lost, it will not regrow without surgical intervention.
What’s the best way to prevent gum disease?
Conscientious removal of plaque by flossing, brushing and regular professional cleanings will minimise your risk of gum disease.
However, there are other factors that can affect the health of your gums, such as stress, diabetes, genetics and pregnancy.
What does periodontal treatment involve?
In the earlier states of gum disease (mild to moderate periodontitis), most treatment involves scaling and root planing. The procedure aims at removing plaque and calculus from the surface of the tooth adjacent to gum tissue.In the majority of early gum disease cases, treatment entails improved home care techniques and scaling and root planning.Advanced cases may require surgical treatment.
How to prevent the gum disease?
While steps can be taken to alleviate the ravages of periodontal disease, the best step is prevention. Remove plaque and bacteria through daily brushing, flossing, and regular oral hygiene. Routine visits to a dental professional for cleanings are also essential. Quitting smoking has proven to be very helpful in preventing the onset of periodontal disease. At Cross Dental we use special equipments eg. Prophy-jet which removes these stains and calculus within minutes.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery Procedures
Periodontists are often considered the plastic surgeons of dentistry. If you are looking to improve your smile, a periodontist may be able to help.
- Gummy Smile or Uneven Gum Line
Do you feel your teeth look too short and your smile is too gummy or your gums cover too much of some teeth while leaving the others the right length? If so, dental crown lengthening might be the solution for you. During this procedure, excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the crown of the tooth. Then your gumline is sculpted to give your new smile just the right look.
- Exposed Roots
Sometimes gum recession causes the tooth root to become exposed, which makes your teeth look long and can make you look older than you are. This recession can happen as a result of a variety of causes, including periodontal diseases.
Gum graft surgery and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots, to reduce further gum recession and to protect vulnerable roots from decay.
Ridge augmentation can fill in this defect recapturing the natural contour of the gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created that is natural looking, easy to clean and beautiful.