Diseases of Gums

Dr Bharti Sharma, SMO (Dental) CHC Naudaun, Dist Hamirpur, May, 2014

dental-4Gum diseases are also known as periodontal disease, it is a chronic inflammatory disease that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss.

Healthy Gums Demand A Healthy Dental Hygiene !

Bleeding or swollen gums can be serious. Here is all you need to know about diseases of gums : –

Types of Gum Diseases

Gum diseases can be broadly divided into 2 types:

dental-51. Gingivitis : It is the disease of gums  in which inflammation of gums occur due to plaque an calculus (tartar) which deposit on teeth due to improper brushing. The longer the plaque and calculus are on the teeth, the more harmful they become. The gums become red, swollen and often bleed on slight pressure.
2. Periodontitis : When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. In dental-1periodontitis the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces that are called pockets. In these pockets food lodgement takes place after meals and then due to bacterial colonization these pockets become infected. There is gradual bone loss and gaps get created in between the teeth.

dental-3Factors Contributing to Gum Disease

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Smoking
3. Hormonal changes in girls and women
4. Diabetes
5. Other illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS
6. Genetic susceptibility.

Symptoms of Gum Diseases

  • Bad breath
  • Red swollen gums
  • Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth

dental-2Treatment of Gum Diseases

1. Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) : The dentists removes the plaque or calculus through a deep cleansing method called scaling and root planing with the help of hand instruments or ultrasonic scalar. The root surfaces exposed are planed to get rid of rough spots.
2. Surgical Treatments
a. Flap Surgery : This is done to reduce periodontal pocket so as to keep the area clean.
b. Bone & Tissue Grafts : This helps to regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost due to periodontitis. Natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss to promote bone growth.

3. Medications : Medications can be used with treatment, which includes antimicrobial mouth rinse; antibiotic gel; oral antibiotics; and antibiotic microspheres.

Dos & Don’ts

  • Brush your teeth twice daily.
  • Floss regularly.
  • Visit the Dentist routinely every six months.
  • Don’t smoke
  • Love the gums you are with.