Management of Common Periodontal Problems at
Dr C Jagadeesh’s Dental Clinic
Healthy Gums Are Vital For Healthy Teeth
Periodontics refers to the treatment of the gum, bone and the other supporting structures of the teeth. The main cause of common periodontal problems is bacterial plaque that constantly forms on your teeth and needs to be cleaned away by brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed, it turns into hard calculus or tartar that harbours bacteria, which slowly infects the surrounding tissue and bone. Left unchecked, this can lead to root caries and loose teeth.
In addition to a good dental routine at home, bi-annual checkups can detect and resolve the risk of gum diseases.
We use procedures like teeth cleaning, deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, and laser pocket disinfection to help patients maintain their periodontal health.
Common Periodontal Problems
Gum Disease
Gum disease or periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums caused by long-standing calculus and plaque below the gum line.
Symptoms include swollen, painful, and discolored gums that may recede from the teeth; create gaps between the teeth; bleed easily; or cause bad breath. Left untreated, it will cause teeth to loosen, decay, and fall.
Periodontitis is also linked with heart disease, respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Treatment for periodontitis can range from deep cleaning and laser to gum grafts and bone regeneration.
Bleeding and Swollen Gums
If your teeth bleed every time you brush or floss, or without an obvious reason; and if your gums are swollen, red or irritated, you could be suffering from gingivitis.
Schedule a visit as early as possible to treat it and prevent it from escalating into something serious that requires advanced treatment.
Receding Gums and Gaps Between Teeth
Healthy gums fit firmly around the visible part of your teeth, protecting the tooth root and bone. When gums recede away from the teeth, it exposes and endangers the root and causes problems such as tooth decay, infections, food impaction, loose teeth, etc.
Gum recession can be caused by periodontal disease, incorrect brushing and flossing, tooth grinding or clenching, and ill-fitting partial dentures.
Gum recession is easily treatable non-surgically, by deep cleaning, or surgically depending on the severity of the problem.
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity refers to a sharp and uncomfortable sensation inside your tooth when exposed to hot or cold food. It can be caused by worn tooth enamel, exposed tooth roots, cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, and gum disease.
Your dentist can identify the underlying cause and recommend a course of treatment. This can vary from the use of desensitizing toothpaste and application of fluoride or bonding resin to root canals and surgical gum grafts.
Bad Breath
Halitosis or bad breath is an embarrassing problem that may be indicative of gum disease. Bad breath can also be caused by infections, metabolic disorders, tobacco use, chronic dry mouth, or the use of dental appliances.
If a good oral routine does not help then see a dentist to identify the underlying cause.
