How Can Periodontics Help Take Care of Your Gums?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is a serious oral condition where gum tissues become infected and inflamed. Based on severity, periodontal disease comes in two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease. You can expect mild to moderate symptoms like gum discoloration, minor bleeding, and gum sensitivity.

Gingivitis is the only phase of gum disease that is reversible. For this reason, you must seek treatment immediately if you suspect you have gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis often develops into periodontitis, a more severe and irreversible stage of gum disease. At this stage, you’re likely to experience severe symptoms like:

• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss
• Deep gum pockets
• Bone loss
• Sore, red, or swollen gums

If left untreated, the bacterial infection can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes, sepsis, etc. Early treatment for gum disease is your best chance of successful treatment and quick recovery. That’s where periodontics comes in. Visit the dentist near you for periodontal treatments.

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics deals with the health of the gum tissues and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontics focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease.

Periodontics Treatments

The specific treatment your dentist or periodontist will provide primarily depends on the severity of your condition. Common treatment options include:

• Teeth cleaning. Even with thorough brushing and flossing, there’s still a risk of plaque and bacteria getting trapped in the dark parts of the mouth. Regular dental cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar trapped in the mouth, protecting you from tooth decay and gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, you should have at least two professional cleanings per year.
• Scaling and root planning. Scaling and root planing is essential to remove dental plaque, calculus, and bacteria below the gum line to prevent deep gum pockets and recession. It makes it easier for the gum tissues to reattach to the teeth. Root planing entails smoothening the rough areas of the teeth’ roots. Depending on your condition, you may need one or two appointments for this treatment.
• Medication. Periodontics also uses medications to battle periodontal bacteria. Along with other treatments, your dentist can prescribe antibiotics and antiseptic medications. It can include oral pills, gels, chips, and mouth wash.
• Gum grafts. Advanced periodontal disease often damages the gum tissues. A gum graft surgery can be necessary to reverse the effects of gum recession. Gum recession happens when the gums pull away, exposing more of a tooth. The surgery entails placing new tissue on the affected gum tissues to encourage new growth.
• Bone grafts. Advanced gum disease can also lead to jawbone damage. Bone grafting aims at repairing and rebuilding damaged or diseased bone. The procedure involves placing new bone tissues on the weakened bone to encourage new bone growth. The bone graft can be obtained from another part of your body like the mouth, hips, legs, and ribs.

Additional Tips

These tips can help promote healthy gums, teeth, mouth, and periodontics.

• Brush and floss regularly.

Brushing and flossing can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum infections and other oral complications. Experts recommend brushing after meals, before sleeping, and in the morning. It prevents food particles from getting trapped in the mouth, encouraging plaque. Also, brush your tongue and swap your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

• Eat healthier and hydrate well.

Consult your doctor or nutritionist about healthy gum and oral-friendly foods. Also, limit your consumption of sugary and acidic food items as they can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Also, hydrating helps keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria and debris, protecting you from oral infections and bad breath.

• Get regular dental cleanings.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help detect gum disease and other oral issues early, giving you a better chance of successful treatment. Regular cleaning will keep plaque and bacteria at bay, promoting healthy gums and mouth.

• Avoid tobacco use.

Tobacco products affect your mouth in several ways. Smoking can increase your risk of gum disease and make it harder to treat and reverse gum disease.

Schedule an Appointment.

For more information about gum disease and periodontics in Randolph, MA, contact Randolph Dental Group to book your appointment today.