Periodontal Maintenance
Among the causes for periodontal (gum) disease are genetics, smoking, and other illnesses like diabetes. Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Most gum diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. However, what can start out as gingivitis (inflamed or bleeding gums) can quickly turn into periodontitis (gum disease). In such cases, gums pull away from the tooth to create “pockets,” thereby exposing a dental root to infection. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing and other complications.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
Gum disease could be identified by tools like x-rays and measurement of the space between the gums and the teeth (i.e.: Periodontal probing depth or “pocket”). We will then find out the most probable cause for the gum disease (e.g.: health issues, habits, genetics) and recommend ways to treat the problem by eliminating or managing the cause.
Further Treatment
The most common preliminary treatment for gum disease is to clean all the plaque and hard tartar accumulated on the root and crown of each tooth. Don’t worry, if patients became uncomfortable during this deep cleaning, topical or local anaesthetics could be used to numb the oral tissues. Another important treatment component is to teach patients how to clean their teeth and gums properly and thoroughly by using specialized oral hygiene tools in additional to a toothbrush and floss. Sometimes, another treatment modality is the use of antibacterial rinses and/or antibiotics.
If none of the above preliminary treatment were successful in controlling the deepening of the gum “pockets”, patients will be recommended to see a gum specialist (periodontist) or a general dentist with extra periodontal training. They may have to go through pocket reduction surgery or surgical deep cleaning of the teeth.