Gum disease is among the most common dental problems in the United States (US). As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4 in 10 adults (30 years or older) in the US have some form of periodontitis. Out of which, about 30% of adults have moderate gum disease.
Considering the alarming statistics, gum disease remains a widespread oral health issue that is often overlooked. Gum disease starts with a mild stage called gingivitis with swollen and bleeding gums.
If not acted upon promptly, gum disease progresses to an advanced stage called periodontitis, which leads to serious and long-term issues, including bone loss. Gum disease specialist recommend treating the disease in its initial stages to avoid further complications.
Treating gum disease involves various methods. If you are scared of surgery and do not want the option, this article will explore the other treatment options you have. Let us dive in.
Understanding Gum Disease
Before moving on to gum disease treatment, let us first understand gum disease and its development.
Generally, gum disease begins with plaque accumulation in the mouth. Plaque refers to a dense layer of bacteria that attaches itself to the teeth and gums. Due to improper oral hygiene and not removing the plaque with brushing or flossing, it can solidify into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove with toothbrushes and requires professional cleaning.
Gum disease advances through 2 stages:
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This stage can easily be reversed by maintaining stringent oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not addressed promptly, it develops into periodontitis. During this stage, the infection penetrates deep into the tooth supporting structures leading to gum recession, formation of gaps between teeth and gums, and even teeth loss.
Since periodontitis is an advanced stage, it is usually treated with surgical methods. Although surgery may be required in severe cases, non-surgical gum disease treatment is also available, which is both safe and effective. Let us know about it further.
Treating Gum Disease with Non-Surgical Methods
Fortunately, many non-surgical gum disease treatments are minimally invasive, more comfortable, and result in quicker recovery. Let us explore these in detail:
Scaling and Root Planing
One of the important goals of gum disease treatment is to get rid of the bacteria and toxins attached to the tooth surface. This goal is achieved with the help of a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing or root debridement.
Scaling involves removing plaque and hard deposits or tartar from the tooth surface, both above and below the gum line. On the other hand, root planing involves smoothing the tooth-root surface, making it difficult for bacteria to adhere to.
Bite Adjustment
Many times, gum disease also causes the loosening of teeth. If the teeth are loose, it may also alter the normal biting and chewing. To treat this situation, the dentist will carefully reshape minute amounts of tooth enamel to change the way your upper and lower teeth come in contact with each other. This results in lesser force on the teeth and reduces their mobility.
If required, the dentist may also join the teeth with a small plastic or metal brace to provide support or provide you with a bite guard to wear when you are grinding your teeth.
Medications
As gum disease advances, periodontal pockets may form in the teeth. These pockets can cause bone loss, as they are mostly developed in harder-to-reach areas where normal toothbrushes cannot reach.
Along with other treatments, the dentist will aim to disinfect these harder-to-reach areas with prescription medications, including antimicrobial rinses or topical antibiotics.
Oral Hygiene
Since gum disease begins with plaque accumulation, it is better to address the elephant in the room and prevent it from progressing in the first place. This emphasizes the pivotal role oral hygiene plays in keeping your mouth disease-free.
The most effective way to do so is by religiously following an oral hygiene routine. This involves brushing, flossing and using mouthwashes to get rid of bacteria. In addition, make sure that you consult your dentist at least two times a year for professional cleanings.
Lifestyle Changes
Apart from oral hygiene, certain lifestyle modifications can also help in treating gum disease. This involves:
- Quitting smoking and other tobacco products.
- Restricting acidic, sugary, and hard foods and beverages.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
- Consuming adequate water.
- Managing other health conditions, including diabetes.
Takeaway
Treating gum disease does not always require surgery. Many times, non-surgical methods are enough to control infection, restore oral tissues, and tighten loose teeth. In addition, following an oral hygiene routine, having routine dental checkups, and cleaning can help you vastly improve your dental health and avoid gum disease.
Get Your Oral Health in Check at Periodontal Specialists!
Whether you wish to have a dental checkup, a professional dental cleaning or a non-surgical gum disease treatment, our team of gum disease specialists are here to help you throughout.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
