Periodontal Maintenance
Among the causes for periodontal (gum) disease are genetic susceptibility, smoking, and other illnesses like diabetes. Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Most gum diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. However, what can start out as gingivitis (inflamed or bleeding gums) can quickly turn into periodontitis. In such cases, gums pull away from the tooth to create “pockets,” thereby exposing a dental root to infection. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing and other complications.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease is critical in preventing the irreversible damage that can happen to the tissue surrounding teeth, if gum disease progresses from the relatively simple and reversible inflammatory condition of gingivitis to chronic periodontitis.
Gum disease is a silent disease in that there is usually no notable pain associated with it and the only symptom recognizable by most patients being their bleeding gums. This silent condition is therefore deceptive as most individuals may not seek treatment until the later stages of gum disease in which teeth have already been irreversible damaged causing noticeable tooth mobility and gum recession.
Further Treatment
Patient education is an important aspect in the successful long term treatment of gum disease, as it allows the patient to recognize the early symptoms of gums disease, its affects on their dentition and the need for necessary changes in oral hygiene and dental care.Gum disease is treated in most cases by cleaning or removing aspects of teeth that harbor bacteria or prevent easy cleaning during routine home care. This is achieved by “deep” cleanings with hand or mechanical instruments above and below the gums at 3 monthly intervals. In more advanced cases, specific medications may be prescribed or minor gum surgery carried out to remove pockets that trap plaque and calculus.