Gum Diseases and Treatments
The gum is the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and surrounds the teeth. The gums provide the basic support of the teeth and perform an important protective function in the mouth. The gum helps to stabilise the teeth together with the bone surrounding the teeth and a connective tissue called the periodontal ligament, which surrounds the roots of the teeth.
Healthy gums are very important for general oral health. Healthy gums should be pink, firm and tightly attached to the teeth. Healthy gums usually do not bleed, swell or ache. However, gum problems can occur due to gum disease or other factors.
What are Gum Diseases?
Gum disease is a term that refers to various infections and inflammations that occur on the gums. Gum diseases usually start when bacterial plaque accumulates around the gums and these plaques adhere to the tooth enamel and form tartar (tartar). This can affect the gums and cause various symptoms and discomfort.
Gum diseases can manifest itself with symptoms such as inflammation of the gums, bleeding, swelling and gingival recession. Taking care of gum health can be achieved with steps such as regular tooth brushing, flossing, regular dentist checks and a healthy diet.
Gum diseases usually start when bacterial plaque and tartar accumulate around the gums. However, a number of factors can contribute to the development of gum disease. Here are the main factors that cause gum disease:
- Plaque and tartar accumulation is the main cause of gum diseases. Bacteria, saliva and food residues in the mouth combine to form plaque. Plaque damages the tooth enamel and can harden into tartar over time. Tartar can cause gum diseases as it accumulates under the gum line.
- Irregular tooth cleaning also causes gum diseases. Inadequate tooth brushing, not flossing or irregular dental check-ups may predispose to the development of gum diseases.
- Smoking can accelerate the development of gum diseases and negatively affect the treatment process.
- Familial predisposition may increase the risk of gum disease. Individuals with such problems in the family should be more careful.
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can increase gum sensitivity.
- Diabetes can increase the risk of gum diseases and negatively affect gum health.
- An unbalanced and unhealthy diet can contribute to the development of gum diseases.
- Poor oral hygiene habits, such as clenching or grinding the teeth, can affect gum health.
- Stress can contribute to the development of gum disease by weakening the immune system.
Gum diseases are often associated with a combination of these factors. Therefore, regular dental care, a healthy lifestyle and regular dental check-ups are important to prevent or detect gum diseases early.
What are Gum Diseases?
Gum diseases generally manifest themselves in two forms as gingivitis and periodontitis. It is possible to explain them as follows.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a gum disease that refers to the inflammation of the gums. This is usually caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer formed by bacteria, saliva and food residues accumulated in the mouth.
Gingivitis affects the gums and manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- The gums may appear redder than their normal colour.
- The gums may be swollen and tender.
- Gums may bleed when brushed or flossed.
- Gums may retract, teeth may appear longer.
- One symptom of gingivitis is bad breath.
Gingivitis usually occurs as a result of inadequate oral hygiene, irregular tooth brushing, not flossing and not performing regular dental check-ups. Factors such as pregnancy, diabetes, smoking, stress can also increase the risk of gingivitis.
Gingivitis can usually be treated with regular dental cleaning, regular tooth brushing, flossing and attention to oral hygiene as directed by the dentist. Gingivitis that is not diagnosed and treated at an early stage can progress and develop into a more serious gum disease called periodontitis. Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist when symptoms are noticed.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a condition that is considered a more serious form of gum disease. This condition is characterised by inflammation and damage caused by the spread of bacterial infection to the gums and surrounding tissues. Periodontitis, inflammation of the gums, affects not only the gums, but also the surrounding bone and tooth support tissues. Periodontitis usually occurs as a result of the progression of gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated or adequate care is not provided, the infection can spread from the gums to deeper tissues and periodontitis can develop.
Treatment of periodontitis may include a series of procedures determined by the dentist. These procedures may include treatment methods such as teeth cleaning, gum pocket cleaning, gum surgery, bone grafting. The treatment process may vary depending on the severity and spread of the disease. In order to prevent and control periodontitis, measures such as regular dental care, regular dental check-ups, healthy eating habits and not smoking should be taken. Periodontitis can be controlled with early diagnosis and effective treatment. However, when neglected, it can lead to serious dental health problems.
Treatment of Gum Diseases
Gum diseases are problems that can be treated. However, early diagnosis and effective management are important for successful treatment. Treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of gum disease. Here are some common methods used in the treatment of gum diseases:
Professional Tooth Cleaning
Your dentist will perform a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar accumulated in the gums. This cleaning procedure is an effective treatment method in the early stages of gum disease.
Gum Pocket Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
In this procedure, the dentist removes plaque and tartar by cleaning the gum pockets. Root planing can also correct infected surfaces.
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotics can be used to control bacterial infections and prevent them from spreading. Intraoral antibacterial mouthwash or topical antibiotic applications can also be used.
Surgical Treatments
In advanced cases, surgical interventions may be required. Procedures such as gum grafting, bone grafting or tooth extraction can help restore damaged gum or bone tissue.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular check-ups with your dentist are an important part of monitoring your gum health and early diagnosis.
Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
Healthy dental hygiene habits at home support treatment and prevent the progression of the disease. Regular brushing, flossing and using mouthwash are important.
The treatment process may vary depending on the severity and spread of the disease and the general health status of the patient. It is important to consult a dentist to determine the most effective treatment plan. In addition, regular check-ups and home care after treatment are important to maintain gum health.
