Unfortunately, gum disease is an all-too-common problem for adults in the US and around the world. Just as is the case with other diseases, there are different stages of gum disease. The early stage, also known as gingivitis, is typically indicated by gum tissue that is swollen and red, and gums that bleed easily after brushing or eating hard food. The good news is that gingivitis can usually be reversed by professional cleaning in addition to a daily oral hygiene routine followed by the patient at home.
Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a more serious condition that requires more aggressive forms of treatment. Researchers believe that nearly half of the citizens in the US over the age of 30 have periodontitis. If this advanced form of gum disease isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to tooth loss. Even worse – latter-stage gum disease has been linked to more serious health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, modern technology offers a variety of effective treatments for periodontitis:
- Scaling and root planing (SRP) – Also referred to as “deep cleaning,” this procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from just under the gum line, then smoothing the tooth surface to make it harder for bacteria to build up in the future.
- Antibiotics – Dentists and periodontists often prescribe either oral or topical antibiotics to eliminate or reduce the bacterial infection present in the gum tissue of periodontitis patients. Typically, antibiotics are recommended after the patient has undergone a scaling and planing procedure.
- Flap surgery – For people with advanced gum disease, surgery may be the only option. One such procedure is flap surgery, also referred to as pocket reduction surgery. The procedure involves a periodontist making small incisions in the gum tissue, lifting that tissue back to expose the tooth roots, then performing a scaling and root procedure. Gum tissue is then sutured back into place, and the gums are left to heal.
If these methods aren’t effective, your dentist or periodontist may recommend other more aggressive surgical procedures, such as soft tissue grafts to replace tissue lost due to recession, or bone grafting to replace bone tissue that may have been compromised as a result of the disease.
When it comes to gum disease, prevention is always the best option. Most of us can easily avoid developing the condition to begin with by regular brushing and flossing at home, and by visiting your dentist at least every six months for professional cleanings and oral exams.
