Symptoms and Treatment of Gum Disease

Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontal disease) are serious infections that anyone can contract. These oral infections are especially serious for the elderly, those with suppressed immune systems and those with chronic systemic diseases. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection seen in the mouth and affecting the gums, bones and teeth.

Since knowledge is power, understanding the symptoms of gum disease can help identify at an early stage, the need to see a dentist so that gum disease can be caught. And this is important because much damage can been done to the supporting bone and tissue of the gum.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and has the following symptoms:

• Reddened gums
• Swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily

The cause of gingivitis is most often inadequate oral hygiene.

The treatment of gingivitis usually only requires that proper oral hygiene be learned and followed on a regular basis. The dentist will scale the plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth surfaces and remove the calculus from between the tooth and gum. This is usually all the treatment that is required for gingivitis.

Periodontal disease:

There are different types of periodontitis including aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis and periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases.

Rapid attachment loss (gum from tooth) and bone destruction are two symptoms of aggressive periodontitis.

Inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, aggressive detachment and bone loss as well as pocket formation and receding of the gum line are all signs of chronic periodontitis.

Periodontitis, especially when seen in very young patients is often a sign of systemic diseases such as diabetes. Dentists who see this type of periodontitis will refer the patient to a medical doctor for further evaluation and diagnosis of any underlying systemic disease.

Individuals who suffer from HIV infection, poor nutrition, and have suppressed immune systems may present a mouth to their dentist with necrotizing periodontal disease, which is characterized by necrosis of the gingival tissues, supporting tissues or bone.

Treatment

If tissue around your teeth appears to be unhealthy by your dentist or periodontist, you may require periodontal surgery.

There are four periodontal surgeries:

• Crown Lengthening
• Pocket Reduction
• Regenerative Procedures
• Soft Tissue Grafts

Teeth that have been lost due to gum disease can be replaced with the aid of dental implants.

Individual with “gummy” smiles (too much gum tissue) and those who have periodontal disease may undergo a crown lengthening procedure. The purpose of the procedure is to adjust the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth in an effort to restore the tooth. This procedure is done for both cosmetic and functioning reasons.

When gum tissue does not fit snugly around the teeth, pocket depth reduction is performed to remove bacteria that are present behind the gum line, so that the gum can better attach to the tooth.

Regeneration procedures involve placing membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue in place under the gum tissue to reverse the damage caused by deterioration of bone and tissue.

The exposed roots of teeth can make the tooth appear too long and can also become sensitive to hot and cold drinks and food. A soft tissue graft will repair the exposed roots by adding gum tissue that is donated for this purpose.

=>Learn more about Gum Disease and how to prevent it here: Get Rid of Gingivitis or Gum Disease.

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