Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. When your gums are not healthy, your whole mouth can suffer. Periodontal therapy includes of treatments that help fight gum disease and restore your gum health.
Gum disease occurs when bacteria build up on teeth and under gums. These bacteria can cause gums to become red and swollen, and sometimes, they even bleed when you brush your teeth. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems if not treated.
Dr. Ren and our dental care team emphasize the importance of gum health and work with patients to maintain and support healthy gums. Periodontal therapy helps clean away the harmful bacteria and heal your gums. It can stop gum disease from getting worse and can even reverse some of the damage that has already happened. The goal is to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible and maintain a healthy smile.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. It develops slowly over time and has different stages:
Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease. Your gums might look red, puffy, and bleed when you brush. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. At this stage, no permanent damage has been done to your gums or the bone that supports your teeth.
Periodontitis: If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the bacteria go deeper under your gums and start to damage the bone that holds your teeth in place. Your gums may start to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria can grow. Your teeth may feel loose, and you might have bad breath that doesn’t go away.
Advanced Periodontitis: This is the most serious stage of gum disease. The bone and other tissues supporting your teeth are severely damaged at this point. Your teeth may shift, feel very loose, or even fall out. You might have trouble eating and experience pain when chewing.
Periodontal Treatments
Depending on how far your gum disease has progressed, Dr. Ren may recommend different treatments. The goal is to restore gum health and address any damage.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): This is often the first step in treating gum disease. Our dental care team will carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line (scaling). Then, they will smooth the rough spots on your tooth roots (root planing) to help your gums reattach to your teeth. This treatment helps remove bacteria and creates a clean surface for your gums to heal.
Antibiotics and Special Mouthwash: Dr. Ren might prescribe antibiotics to help kill bacteria that cause gum disease. These can come as pills, gels placed directly in the infected areas, or special mouthwash. These medications help fight infection and reduce inflammation in your gums.
Pocket Reduction Surgery: You might need pocket reduction surgery if your gum pockets are too deep to clean with regular methods. During this procedure, an oral surgical specialist will fold back your gum tissue, remove the bacteria, and secure the tissue in place so it fits snugly around your tooth again.
Gum Grafts: If you’ve lost gum tissue, Dr. Ren may recommend working with a specialist to take tissue from another part of your mouth (usually the roof) and attach it to your gums. This helps cover exposed tooth roots, reduces sensitivity, and improves the appearance of your smile.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Some things can make you more likely to get gum disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque to build up on your teeth.
- Smoking: Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your gums to heal.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can make gum infections worse.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or monthly periods can make your gums more sensitive.
- Genetics: Some people are born with genes that make them more likely to get gum disease.
- Certain Medications: Some drugs can reduce saliva flow or affect your gum tissue.
- Stress: High stress makes it harder for your body to fight infections, including gum disease.
- Poor Nutrition: Not getting enough vitamins and minerals can weaken your immune system.