Periodontal
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Treatment
Causes of Gum disease
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Gingivits
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called gingivitis. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to Periodontitis (which means inflammation around the tooth). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called gum pockets) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Gum disease treatment
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient deep up good daily care at home.
Deep cleaning (Scaling and root planing)
The dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
Medications
Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planing.
- Prescription antimicrobial mouthrinse- a prescription mouthrinse containing an antimicrobial called chlorhexidine.
- Antiseptic “chip”- a tiny piece of gelatin filled with the medicine chlorhexidine.
- Antibiotic gel- A gel that contains the antibiotic doxycline.
- Antibiotic micropheres- tiny, round particles that contain the antibiotic minocycline.
- Oral antibiotics- antibiotics tablets or capsules for short term duration.
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