Gum disease also goes by the name "periodontal disease." This is caused when the bones and tissues that protect the teeth get infected. Excessive amounts of plaque, which carries bacteria and toxins, is the biggest reason why gum disease develops. The symptoms of gum disease can be as mild as bad breath, but they can also be severe to the point teeth are lost. There are several ways to treat it when it does appear.
Brushing and Scaling
Gingivitis is a type of gum disease that causes your gums to become inflamed. To treat this condition, floss and brush your teeth and make an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth "scaled" or "planed." These are procedures where the tartar and plaque above and below the gum line are scraped out and removed.
Medications
The use of antibiotics is not a first-line defense to treat gum disease because of the danger of antibiotic resistance, the Mayo Clinic reports, but your dentist or periodontist may prescribe them if your infection is severe enough. These come in the form of fibers and gels or oral mouthwashes. The fiber and gel types are placed into your gum pockets or the spaces between your teeth. They allow the gums to heal while slowly killing the surrounding bacteria.
Grafts
When your periodontal disease has reached a point of severity where your gums have receded and your teeth appear longer than normal, your dentist may do a soft tissue graft. In this procedure, tissue from another part of your mouth, usually the palate, gets removed and put in place of the diseased tissue. This will improve the appearance of your teeth, reduce the recession of the gums and also act as an anchor for your teeth.
Flap Surgery
In flap surgery, your periodontist will make incisions in your gum so the tissue can be lifted up. This makes planing and scaling more effective. While the gums are flapped up, the bones may be recontoured if there was any bone loss. After all the work is done, the gums are then flapped back down and sutured.
Lifestyle Remedies
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several lifestyle and home remedies that can be utilized to reduce or control periodontitis. Examples of these include getting regular dental cleanings, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and replacing it every three to four months, floss daily, brush your teeth after every meal and use a specially designed dental pick or dental stick to clean between your teeth.
