What are the common gum diseases?
Gum disease is a serious bacterial infection that destroys the tissue around the teeth. Presence of bacteria on the teeth surface will cause the formation of plaque. The formation of plaque on the teeth surface will then lead to the transformation of tartar or calculus. This, in turn would cause the infection of the gums surrounding the teeth making the gums swell. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults.
There are two major stages of gum disease, namely gingivitis and periodontitis. Gums shrink with age thus exposing the tooth to decay and infection. Gingivitis starts when the gums become red, swollen and puffy. It is caused by poor oral hygiene which eventually will lead to the build up of plaque and tartar on the tooth. Gums can bleed easily, usually while brushing. If left untreated, gingivitis will lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis means the diseased condition surrounding the tooth. Due to the large quantity of calculus in the mouth, a superior grade toothbrush can’t even control this disease. Bacteria present in calculus create waste products that have toxins and volatile sulphur compounds. These toxins destroy the bones and gums surrounding the teeth causing the inner layer of the gum and bone move away from the tooth surface. A pocket is formed between the teeth and gums where debris may get stored. The plaque will then spread and grows below the gum line. This will then make the tooth become loose gradually and finally there is loss of teeth.
To stop gum disease, a person must start on his or her dental hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing can help reverse gingivitis. Regular cleaning with the dentist or dental hygienist can help cure gum disease. Some gum disease treatment can be tried to help this condition. Curettage is a treatment that involves the scraping away of the diseased gum tissue in the infected pocket. Flap surgery involveslifting back the gums and removing the tartar. Soft tissue grafts can help reinforce thin gums or fill in places where gums have receded. Tartar can be scaled off both above and under the gums and under the gums by a dental professional.
Treatment for periodontitis can be through bone grafts or guided tissue regeneration that stimulates bone and gum tissue growth. Bone surgery is also one treatment that smooth shallow craters in the bone due to moderate and advanced bone loss.
