What Is Gum Disease, Also Known As Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults but can often be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Periodontics is the comprehensive management of diseases or conditions affecting the gum and supporting tissues, and we are able to treat problems with regards to your gums at our clinic.

What Are The Stages of Gum / Periodontal Disease?

• Gingivitis: The early stage, characterised by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing.
• Periodontitis: The more advanced stage, where the infection spreads to the bone, causing gum recession, deep pockets, and tooth mobility.

When To Seek Treatment For Gum Disease?

The accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth causes the gums to become inflamed and infected.

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing severe gum damage and
​tooth loss.

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Seek treatment if:

• If you have bad breath that won't go away
• If you experience pain when chewing
• If your teeth feels loose
• If your teeth is sensitive
• If your gums appear red or swollen
• If your gums feel tender or bleed when you brush them
• If you notice that your gums are receding or your teeth are appearing longer over time

Periodontal issues often arise from poor oral hygiene habits, which allow plaque to harden into tartar that can only be removed by a dental professional. This is one of the reasons why Scaling and Polishing every 3 to 6 months is so important. If you have gum disease or suspect that you have gum disease, book a consultation with our dentist.

​So what causes Gum Disease? Who is more prone to getting periodontal disease? Risk factors are include not going for dental checkups at least once every six months, smoking, poor nutrition, certain medications, and conditions like diabetes that weaken the immune system.

What Kind Of Treatments Are There For Gum Disease?

There are many treatments available for gum disease, and these treatments depend on the stage of disease,
​how you may have responded to earlier treatments and your overall health.

Treatments range from nonsurgical procedures that control bacterial growth, to surgery to restore supportive tissues.
​In some patients, the nonsurgical procedure of scaling and root planing is all that is needed to treat gum disease.

​Surgery is needed when the tissue around the teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with nonsurgical options.

Types Of Treatment For Gum / Periodontal Disease

Periodontics treatment focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and managing gum disease. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition. For early-stage gingivitis, professional cleanings are often enough to restore gum health. Advanced cases require specialised procedures to address infected tissues and prevent further damage.

Periodontics treatment restores gum health, preserves tooth stability, and prevents further complications. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining long-term results.

1. Scaling and Root Planing

• What It Is: A deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
• Purpose: Smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach and reduces inflammation.
• When It’s Used: Mild to moderate periodontitis.

2. Laser Therapy

• What It Is: A minimally invasive treatment using laser energy to remove infected tissue and reduce bacteria.
• Purpose: Promotes healing and targets advanced gum disease with precision.
• When It’s Used: For patients with advanced periodontitis.

3. Pocket Reduction Surgery

• What It Is: A surgical procedure to reduce the size of pockets around teeth.
• Purpose: Improves cleaning access and prevents further bacterial buildup.
• When It’s Used: Severe gum disease cases.

4. Soft Tissue Grafts

• What It Is: A grafting procedure to restore receded gum tissue and cover exposed tooth roots.
• Purpose: Protects teeth, enhances appearance, and improves gum health.
• When It’s Used: For significant gum recession or aesthetic concerns.

What Are Gum Grafts?

Gum regeneration is a specialised procedure used to rebuild lost gum tissue and restore gum health after significant recession or damage from gum disease.

​It also helps regenerate bone that may have been lost due to periodontitis.

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What is the process of a gum graft?

​1. Collection of Gum Tissue

• Source: Gum tissue is often taken from the patient’s palate (roof of the mouth) or a nearby donor site.
• Alternatives: Allografts (donor tissue) or synthetic grafts may also be used for some cases.

2. Placement of the Graft

• Procedure: The harvested tissue is carefully placed over the area of gum recession or bone loss.
• Purpose: This graft covers exposed tooth roots and serves as a foundation for new gum and bone tissue to grow.

3. Guided Tissue Regeneration (Optional)

• Technique: In some cases, a protective membrane is placed beneath the graft to encourage natural healing.
• Benefit: This method stimulates the growth of both gum tissue and bone, ensuring long-term gum health.

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4. Healing Process

• Integration: The graft integrates with the existing gums, promoting regrowth of natural tissue.
• Time: Healing typically takes several weeks, during which the patient must follow aftercare instructions to ensure the graft’s success.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums After Periodontics Treatment

Keeping your gums healthy after periodontics treatment is essential to prevent the recurrence of gum disease. Here are key steps to maintain optimal gum health:

1. Brush Twice a Day

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Gently clean along the gum line to remove plaque and prevent buildup.

2. Floss Daily

• Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth where brushing cannot reach.
• Make it a daily habit to protect your gums from inflammation.

3. Schedule Regular Checkups

• Visit your dentist regularly for follow-up cleanings and exams.
• More frequent visits may be recommended to monitor and maintain gum health.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

• Consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C, to strengthen gums and boost resistance to infection.
• A balanced diet supports overall oral and systemic health.

5. Avoid Smoking

• Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and delays healing after treatment.
• Quitting smoking significantly improves gum health and overall well-being.

By following these steps, you can ensure long-term gum health and maintain the results of your periodontics treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum / Periodontal Disease

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums caused by plaque and tartar buildup. If untreated, it can damage the bone supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

 How Does Gum Disease Start?

It often begins with gingivitis, where gums become red and swollen due to poor oral hygiene. If ignored, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe stage affecting the gums and bone.

 How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?

Treatment depends on severity. Mild cases may only need professional cleaning, while advanced cases could require scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or surgical options like pocket reduction or gum grafting.

What Is Gum Regeneration?

Gum regeneration restores lost gum tissue, often after severe gum disease. It involves grafting tissue, usually from the patient’s palate or a donor, to stimulate new gum and bone growth.

 Is Laser Gum Treatment Safe?

Yes, laser therapy is safe and less invasive than traditional surgery. It effectively treats gum disease with minimal discomfort and faster healing times.

Can Gum Disease Return After Treatment?

Yes, gum disease can come back if proper oral care isn’t maintained. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are key to preventing its recurrence.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Gum Treatment?

Recovery depends on the treatment. Non-invasive procedures like scaling and laser therapy have quick recovery times, while surgeries like grafting may take several weeks. Your dentist will guide you on aftercare.

What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?

Untreated gum disease can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and even affect overall health, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Early treatment is crucial.