Gingivitis, generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, describes the events that begin with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end – if not properly treated – with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. Periodontal disease affects the periodontal tissue and alveolar bone. There are numerous types of periodontal diseases, but the most common one is plaque induced inflammation. Gum disease is very common in most people and usually a family dentist can treat it. However, in certain cases the help of a specialist might be required. Periodontal conditions are treated by specialists known as Periodontist.
Plaque is the primary cause of a gum disease however, other factors contribute to periodontal disease as well. The most common reason is improper oral hygiene. If periodontal disease is detected early on, the progress can be prevented and completely cured, just by following a proper oral hygiene regimen. Proper plaque control consists of professional cleanings at least twice a year and daily brushing and flossing. Brushing eliminates plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that can be reached; flossing removes food particles and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Antibacterial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque and gum disease, according to the American Dental Association.
If periodontal disease is not detected early on, dental procedures may be necessary to treat it. The goals of gum disease treatment are to promote reattachment of healthy gums to teeth; reduce swelling, the depth of pockets, and the risk of infection; and to stop disease progression. Treatment options depend on the stage of disease, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health. Options range from nonsurgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgery to restore supportive tissues.
Most common surgical procedure to treat periodontal conditions involves removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth by scaling and root-planning. This is different from regular cleaning procedures. It is more invasive when compared to ordinary cleaning procedures and also requires anesthesia. In extreme cases, the infection will penetrate deep into the jawbone. In such cases, full-fledged surgical procedures may be required to retract the gum line, access the site of infection, and remove infected tissues. If proper care is not taken and the infection is allowed to grow, it can have serious consequences. In extreme cases, periodontal disease can adversely affect the bone tissue and in such cases, bone grafts may be required. Researchers have uncovered potential links between gum disease and other serious health conditions. In people with healthy immune systems, the bacteria in the mouth that makes its way into the bloodstream is usually harmless. But under certain circumstances microorganisms are associated with health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
It is very essential to control periodontal disease in its initial stages and the best way to do so is to visit your dentist regularly (every 4-6 six month) and follow proper oral hygiene.
DENTAL HEALTH CARE 