Gum treatment
Essential treatments for healthy gums
A gum treatment is a procedure to help control periodontal disease. According to the Canadian Dental Association, periodontal disease is the most common dental problem among adults. Are you one of those suffering from gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis?
Gum disease?
Gum disease evolves in three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums due to plaque build-up. In addition, bleeding may occur when brushing or flossing. In periodontitis, the bone and fibers holding teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. If the disease progresses, the fibers and bone will be destroyed and your teeth may have to be extracted.
Here are some symptoms of gum disease:
- Red, swollen or painful gums;
- Bleeding when brushing;
- Pus between teeth and gums;
- Bad breath;
- Taste of metal in the mouth;
- Change in tooth position when chewing;
- Sensitive teeth (for no apparent reason).
Gum treatment
Depending on the severity of your case, there are different ways to treat your gums. If you suffer from gingivitis, scaling will remove the plaque causing the inflammation. In the case of periodontitis, your dentist will perform a curettage and root planing. Under local anaesthetic, curettage removes tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing removes diseased tissue to prevent the development of bacteria. This gum treatment is sometimes combined with antibiotics.
In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend an open curettage. A surgical opening will be made in your gums for the curettage, before being closed with stitches. Finally, there are grafts that can restore your bones or gums and prevent your teeth from loosening.
A few additional tips
Before moving on to gum treatment, we recommend maintaining good oral hygiene. This starts with good brushing and regular flossing. In addition, the use of mouthwash will help reduce the bacteria in your mouth. Many other factors can contribute to gum disease, including heredity, smoking and certain systemic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
However, despite impeccable habits, it’s still important to make regular appointments with your dentist for a routine cleaning. It’s the safest way to remove plaque and tartar that may have escaped your notice. It’s also good for your overall health, as gum disease is linked to a number of medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, lung disease and premature delivery.
Do your gums hurt? The team at Clinique dentaire Fortin Poirier will recommend the best possible care for you, based on the condition of your gums. Why not make an appointment now?
Need gum treatment?
Make an appointment with one of our dentists to learn more about gum treatment.
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