Gum disease treatment
Beautiful teeth as well as healthy gums are the foundations of an attractive and bright smile.
Gum inflammation or gingivitis occurs due to poor oral hygiene, systemic diseases, bad habits or genetic susceptibility to gum disease. Food debris in the oral cavity gives rise to bacteria, producing harmful toxins. Bacteria cause redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, which is particularly noticeable when brushing our teeth. Gum inflammation can be significantly reduced if we practice good oral hygiene, which also includes removing tartar by a dental professional.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a chronic disease called chronic periodontitis or periodontal disease. Periodontitis affects more than half of the population, but since it often occurs without eventual overt signs, it is often not taken seriously enough. As a result, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, which can cause perfectly healthy teeth to loosen or even fall out.
Treatment is adapted to disease stage, but always includes procedures to reduce bacterial plaque. Periodontal therapy may only contain a thorough tooth stone cleaning, in severe cases also root planing and scaling. In very advanced disease, periodontal surgery should be performed.