Periodontal Disease (Gum) Treatment & After-care

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is early gum disease. It affects the surface layers of the gum, particularly where the gum meets the tooth. At this stage, there is no damage to the deeper parts of the gums, teeth or bone.

The signs of gingivitis are:

• bleeding gums, especially when brushing or eating
• redness and swelling of the gum.
• The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed.

Do not stop brushing if your gums are red or puffy. Try to keep brushing with a soft toothbrush, as this will get rid of the bacteria and plaque that are causing the problem. Soon the gums should look and feel better. If your gums do not improve or keep bleeding, after four weeks, see your oral health professional.

Periodontitis

The job of the gum is to provide a protective covering for the bone that holds your teeth in place. The periodontium is the name given to the group of gum and bone structures that surround and support the teeth, keeping them in place. The gum protects the periodontium by forming a seal that runs around the neck of the tooth.

Periodontitis is the inflammation of the periodontium, caused by the bacteria in plaque and the body’s immune response to it.
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that may occur if gingivitis is not treated.
The structures affected by periodontitis include the covering of the tooth root (cementum), the bone and the fibres that connect the tooth root to the bone (periodontal ligament).

Signs of periodontitis include:

• bleeding gums
• red/swollen gums
• receding gums (the gum line shrinks away from the tooth making teeth look longer)
• bad breath
• a bad taste in the mouth
• tenderness when biting
• loose teeth, or teeth that have moved

The signs of gingivitis are:

• bleeding gums, especially when brushing or eating
• redness and swelling of the gum.

Make an appointment with your oral health professional if you think you have any of these signs. They can talk with you about how to care for your teeth. They can also professionally remove plaque and hardened plaque (calculus). This helps the gums to attach back to the tooth. Early treatment of periodontitis can save affected teeth.

If gum disease is not under control it can impact your health and have negative effects on heart health, and worsen diabetes. Keeping your gums clean and healthy, helps keep your heart and other systems healthy too.

1. Scaling and Root Planing
2. Antibiotics
3. Any needed dental repairs
4. Medications
5. Gum graft surgery.
6. Pocket reduction surgery.
7. Regenerative procedures.
8. Extraction
9. Lifestyle Changes
10. Regular Dental Cleanings