What Is Gum treatment?
Gum treatment, or periodontal therapy, is essential for maintaining oral health. This guide will cover various gum diseases, treatment options, preventive measures, and aftercare tips to ensure your gums remain healthy.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Early stage of gum disease.
Symptoms: Red, swollen gums, bleeding during brushing.
Cause: Plaque buildup on teeth.
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease
Symptoms: Gums pulling away from teeth, loose teeth, pus between teeth and gums.
Cause: Untreated gingivitis leading to the destruction of supporting tooth structures.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Professional Dental Cleaning
- Removes plaque and tartar.
- Recommended twice a year.
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Deep cleaning to remove tartar from above and below the gum line.
- Smooths rough spots on teeth roots.
Surgical Treatments
- Flap Surgery
- Gums are lifted to remove tartar.
- Gums are then sutured back in place.
- Bone Grafts
- Used when bone surrounding the tooth is destroyed.
- Fragments of bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone are used.
- Soft Tissue Grafts
- Reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded.
- Tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration
- Stimulates bone and gum tissue growth.
- Placed between the bone and gum tissue.
Preventive Measures
Oral Hygiene Practices
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Use mouthwash to reduce plaque and remove food particles.
Regular Dental Visits
- Professional cleanings every six months.
- Early detection of gum disease.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Manage stress to maintain overall health.
Aftercare Tips
Post-Treatment Care
- Follow dentist’s instructions for oral care.
- Take prescribed medications to prevent infection.
- Avoid hard foods that can irritate gums.
Long-term Maintenance
- Continue regular dental check-ups.
- Maintain good oral hygiene practices.
- Monitor gums for signs of disease recurrence.
Maintaining gum health is crucial for overall dental hygiene. Early detection and treatment of gum disease can prevent more serious conditions. Regular dental visits and good oral care practices are key to healthy gums. If you experience symptoms of gum disease, consult your dentist promptly for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
