Periodontology - Gum Diseases

PERIODONTOLOGY- GUM DISEASES

What are healthy gums like?

Healthy gums are light pink in colour, matt, hard in consistency and have an orange peel appearance. Bleeding gums may be a sign of an underlying gum disease.

What is gum disease?

It is an inflammatory disease that affects the gums and tissues supporting the tooth. When only the gums are affected, it is called ‘gingivitis’. When the disease progresses and affects the bones and the ligaments between the bone and the tooth, it is called ‘periodontitis’. Gum diseases are as common as tooth decay, and for this reason, losses can also be observed in healthy teeth without decay. In case of disease, the gums appear bleeding, red and oedematous. Dental calculus is present. Teeth may become loose, displaced, spaced and elongated. There is a bad taste and odour in the mouth. Among the causes of the disease is bacterial plaque, which is a sticky layer accumulated on the gums and teeth. If this plaque, which contains plenty of bacteria, is not removed by daily cleaning, it calcifies and turns into ‘dental calculus’. Over time, gum disease causes the gums to move away from the teeth. Bacteria accumulate in this pocket formed between the tooth and gum and cause damage to the bone around the tooth. Genetic factors, smoking, hormonal conditions, stress, drug use, some systemic diseases are also among the causes of periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases are an important risk factor in the development of heart and lung diseases, diabetes and premature birth/low birth weight. Smoking is a risk factor for increased bone loss in periodontal diseases. And there is a decrease in the success of gum disease treatment in smokers.

How is gum disease treated?

Gum disease is very common. In many people, this disease is at the initial stage. It can be treated with good oral care training and professional cleaning by a dentist. Depending on the severity of the disease, there is a treatment process between 4 weeks and 6 months. Periodontal treatment takes place with the joint contribution of the patient and the physician. The continuity of the treatment depends on the patient's proper and regular oral care. Tartar cleaning: is the treatment of the disease at an early stage. In this procedure, plaque, stones and stains around the tooth are removed. It is recommended to have a check-up every 6 months. Root surface smoothing: tartar and inflamed tissues in the pocket area between the tooth and gum are cleaned under local anaesthesia and the root surface becomes smooth. Thus, it is ensured that the gum tightly wraps the root surface. Periodontal flap operation: If the pockets formed between the tooth and gum are too deep and cannot be cleaned sufficiently, the gum is removed as a whole, the root surface and inflamed tissues are cleaned, and then the gum is closed to cover the bone with sutures. Bone graft application can be performed if necessary. What are the precautions that can be taken to prevent gum disease? Caring for the gums is as important as caring for your teeth. Teeth and gums should be brushed together twice a day. The toothbrush used should be soft. Vibrating motion should be applied to the tooth and gum junction as if massaging. Cleaners such as interface brush, dental floss, mouth shower should be used for the interfaces of the teeth. Many people are not aware that they have gum disease. For this reason, the dentist should be visited regularly and care should be taken to clean the teeth and gums.