Gum Disease Treatments
A variety of treatments are available to help control gum disease and restore supportive tissues. They range from nonsurgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgery that restores tissue and bone. Treatment options depend on the stage of gum disease you have and your response to previous treatments. The severity of symptoms and the time it takes for your mouth to heal also affect the procedure you need.
Gum disease starts with a build-up of plaque on teeth and along the gum line. This sticky coating contains bacteria that irritate and inflame gum tissue. When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into a deposit called tartar. This irritates gum tissue even more, causing red, swollen and tender gums that may bleed easily when you brush your teeth or floss.
Gum Disease: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Untreated gingivitis often progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that fill with debris and bacteria. The resulting damage to the tooth and bone causes the immune system to produce toxins that destroys gum tissue and bone around the affected teeth. Teeth become loose and can fall out if the tissue and bone are destroyed.
You can reduce your risk of gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene. Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles to clean your teeth effectively, and make sure to get in between each tooth with floss or an interdental brush. It is also important to clean your dentures daily, or to have them cleaned by an oral health professional to remove plaque from areas that you can’t reach with a toothbrush.