Almost 80 % of grown up people in the US are estimated to be suffering from some form of periodontal (gum) disease. It ranges from mild inflammation of gums to serious infection that can cause loss of teeth. Seeking effective preventive measures and timely periodontal treatment can check this threat to oral health.

What to look out for?

• Bleeding gums when you brush
• Redness and swelling of gum margins
• Friends and partners noticing bad breath and shying away
• Excessive black/brown spots in between the teeth

Since Periodontal (gum) disease is innocuous and rarely presents with symptoms such as pain it can go unnoticed for years until it finally causes bone breakdown and loosening and movement of teeth. We highly recommend you see a dentist ASAP when you notice such symptoms.

Cause of Periodontal Disease

Bacteria are the main culprits in causing gum diseases. They, in combination with mucus and other particles (food particles mostly), deposit plaque on the teeth. While regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque, it may get hardened to form tartar. Brushing cannot remove tartar. Bacteria harbored in the tartar cause the periodontal disease. Medical conditions like diabetes and habits such as smoking accelerate progression of gum disease much quicker than otherwise.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of gums caused by bacteria. Symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Redness of Gums
• Swelling of Gums
• Easy Bleeding of Gums

Gingivitis is a mild disease of gums and does cause loss of bone or tissue. Regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning cure gingivitis effectively.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis not treated can develop into inflammation around the tooth, called Periodontitis. The body’s immune system reacts to the spreading bacteria by producing toxins and enzymes to do away with the infection. These chemicals act on bones, gums, and connective tissue and wear them down. Eventually teeth become too loose and need to be removed.

Vulnerability to Periodontal Disease

Some people are genetically more prone to get periodontal disease. Besides, people experiencing any of the following conditions are more vulnerable to periodontal disease.

• Smoking
• Frequent Hormonal Changes
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Medications, especially for heart diseases and depression
• Serious illnesses like cancer and AIDS

Types of Periodontal Disease Treatment

Three main types of treatment are given for periodontal disease:

• Deep Cleaning
• Medication
• Surgery

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning involves removal of plaque by scaling and root planning. Scaling scrapes off the tartar from around the gum line. Root planning removes rough spots on the tooth root (the den of germs) and also removes disease-causing bacteria.

Medication

Medication can be used along with deep cleaning and root planning. Well known kinds of medications and their uses are:

• Prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse: A mouth rinse for controlling bacteria
• Antiseptic chip: Gelatin piece filled with chlorhexidine for controlling bacteria and reducing the size of periodontal pockets
• Antibiotic micro-spheres: Tiny antibiotic particles for controlling bacteria and reducing the size of periodontal pockets
• Antibiotic gel: Gel containing doxycycline for controlling bacteria and reducing the size of periodontal pockets
• Enzyme suppressant: Low-dose pill of doxycycline for checking the enzyme response of the body (which causes wearing of gum tissues)

Surgery

If deep cleaning and medication fail to relive the symptoms of periodontal disease, surgery may be performed. Two procedures are involved in surgical treatment: flap surgery and grafting of bones and tissue.

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery works by lifting back the gums and the removing tartar deposits from inside of deep pockets. It reduces the pocket and keeps the area clean. The lifted tissue is then made to fit comfortably around the tooth.

Bone and Tissue Grafting

Grafting replaces or encourages new growth of bone or gum tissue that is destroyed by gum disease. Success of grafting varies from case to case depending on the individual’s exposure to risk factors like smoking, illnesses etc.