Gum disease is caused by inflammation and infection of the gums. Symptoms include redness, swelling, bleeding, bad breath and loose teeth.
Gum Disease Treatments (Periodontology)
Gum diseases are common health problems characterized by inflammation and damage to the gums. These diseases are caused by bacterial infections, usually caused by plaque and tartar build-up.
There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild inflammation of the gums and can usually be treated by improving oral hygiene.
Periodontitis is more serious and can damage the gums, bones and other supporting structures.
Treatment methods vary according to the severity and stage of the disease. In mild cases, regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings and good oral hygiene may be sufficient.
In advanced cases, deep cleaning, medication, surgical interventions and even tissue regeneration techniques may be required. Early diagnosis and intervention in the treatment of gum disease prevents its progression and reduces the risk of tooth loss. Therefore, regular visits to the dentist and good oral care are vital.
Periodontology
It is a branch of dentistry that examines the structure of soft (periodontal ligament, gingiva) and hard tissues (bone, cement) surrounding the teeth, the diseases that occur in these tissues and the treatment of these diseases.
Gums form the infrastructure of our mouth and teeth. If your gums are unhealthy, you may lose your teeth one day, even if your teeth are not decayed.
How does gum health deteriorate?
The main cause is poor oral hygiene and the resulting tartar. In addition to this, some systemic diseases also first show symptoms from the gums, such as leukemia.
How Tartar (Tartar) Forms
Food residues combine with minerals in saliva to form limescale deposits around the teeth and gums. These lime deposits are initially soft. However, they quickly turn into hard layers. You cannot remove them from your teeth by brushing. However, your dentist can remove them without damaging your teeth with suitable ultrasonic instruments designed for tartar removal.
Does Tartar Removal Damage Teeth?
This question is a common question asked to dentists. In fact, this question is followed by questions such as 'will the tooth enamel be scratched during cleaning' or 'once it is cleaned once, does it always want it?' No, tartar cleaning does not harm the teeth. In fact, it is the most beneficial, quickest, most comfortable and cheapest procedure you can do for your mouth. In addition, you can prevent many oral and dental problems by having regular cleaning.
What are the Symptoms of Gingival Inflammation?
Healthy gums do not bleed. If you have bleeding gums while brushing, eating hard foods or spontaneous bleeding, you should consult your dentist immediately. You probably have inflammation in your gums. Bad breath is also a sign of inflammation.
Treatment of Gingival Inflammation
The type of treatment varies according to the level of infection. Gingival diseases are examined in 3 stages.
Gingivitis
It is treated with tartar cleaning by the dentist.
Moderate Periodontitis
Dişeti hastalıkları uzmanı tarafından yapılan küretaj – kök yüzeyi düzleştirilmesi işlemi ile tedavi edilir.
Advanced Periodontitis
It is treated with FLAP operation performed by a gum disease specialist and artificial bone grafts are placed where necessary. In cases where the bone level reaches irreparable dimensions, tooth extraction is inevitable.
How Should Teeth Be Brushed?
There are many methods for brushing your teeth. Consult your dentist for the most suitable brushing for you. However, here is an example of a frequently recommended method (manual toothbrush is used)
First Step: To clean the outer surfaces of your teeth, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush your teeth and gums with short, soft brush strokes, moving your brush back and forth.
Step Two: Use the same method to clean the chewing and inner surfaces of your teeth.
Step Three: To clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth, hold the brush upright and brush with the tip of the brush in a gentle up and down motion.
Step Four: Don't forget to brush your gum line and make sure you reach the rearmost teeth, but also brush your tongue, brushing your tongue will help keep your breath fresh!
What should be used in oral care and how?
- Toothbrush: A good toothbrush should have a short head, straight handle and medium-hard nylon bristles. It would not be correct to say that electric toothbrushes brush teeth better under all circumstances.
- Toothpaste: It increases the effect of the mechanical brushing of the toothbrush. In our opinion, there is no “best” or “ideal” toothpaste.The best toothpaste is the toothpaste that makes brushing your teeth a pleasure and that you like the taste and smell.There are toothpastes with high flour concentration, anti-bacterial agents, tooth whitening acids.
- Dental Floss: It is used to clean the interdental surfaces that the toothbrush cannot clean completely.
- Mouthwashes: According to the substances they contain, they prevent the activation of microorganisms in the mouth (especially in places where the brush cannot reach), reduce the number of bacteria present in the mouth and accordingly eliminate bad breath. Mouthwashes are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, they are just an additional method of protection and care.
- Interdental Brushes: These are special brushes used for cleaning between teeth and under bridges.
How should I choose oral care products?
It may surprise you that there are so many products on the market that are so varied and attractive. When choosing, you should be careful to buy products that are approved and recommended by your dentist.
How long can I use a toothbrush?
It can usually be used for 6 months. You can recognize the deterioration of the toothbrush by the separation, dispersion and bending of the bristle bundles. Hard bristle brushes can damage your teeth and gums. Unless otherwise recommended, medium hard brushes should be preferred.
What do interdental cleaners do?
It is used to remove debris between the teeth and under the gums in areas where the toothbrush cannot reach. If you do not have this habit, it is not too late to start. You should pay attention to the following points when using dental floss:
- Waxed and minty flosses are preferred for easy use in the first use. You can also choose fluoridated dental floss - Floss is used by wrapping it around the index finger of both hands and with the help of your thumb.
- Pass the floss between your teeth with slow and controlled movements. You should avoid hard and sudden movements that may injure the gums.
- You can clean the interface by moving the floss up and down over the tooth in the direction of the letter c.
What is gum disease and how to recognize it?
Why does gum disease occur?
Gum diseases are caused by bacterial infections that develop due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar as a result of inadequate oral hygiene. Other risk factors include smoking, certain medications, hormonal changes and genetic predisposition.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Mild cases can be treated with improved oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. In more serious cases, deep cleaning, medication, surgical interventions and tissue regeneration methods can be applied.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Preventive care can be done with regular brushing, flossing, mouthwashes and regular visits to the dentist. It is also important to eat a healthy diet and avoid harmful habits such as smoking.
Does gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, when left untreated, advanced gum diseases such as periodontitis can lead to tooth loss by damaging tooth support tissues.