Common Symptoms of Gum Disease and Treatments

Article by Robert Melkonyan

Gum diseases or rather periodontal diseases refer to the growth of bacteria which will lead to the destruction of tissues that are around and essentially support the teeth. The term periodontal basically means around the teeth.

Plaque is the main cause of gum diseases, it usually forms around the teeth even without our knowledge, with it accumulating so much, tartar forms, this tartar is so sticky that common cleansing of the teeth cannot remove it, only professional cleaning of the teeth can get rid of it.

There are two stages of the gum disease that is periodontitis and gingivitis; a dentist can characterize the two by seeing or feeling in your mouth. Additionally what is under your gum line will be used to characterize the two main conditions. If left untreated, gingivitis will usually progress to periodontitis though not in all cases.

Gingivitis while in its early stages noticeable factors are: swelling or reddening of the gums, this is usually while or after brushing the teeth. At this stage the teeth are still firm on their sockets though the gums may be irritated. At this point there is no major damage of the tissues.

When left untreated gingivitis might progress to periodontitis. If this is so the internal layers of the gum pulls away from the teeth and pockets are formed. The pocket will thus be harbouring debris from food and this creates a conducive environment for bacteria, the debris will rot and then the gums will become infected. The immune system will try to fight the infection by releasing enzymes, this leads to the breaking down of the teeth and surrounding tissues, the outcome of the tissue break down is that there will be teeth loss due to progressive loosening of their sockets.

Periodontal diseases may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs like: tender gums that are either red or swollen, bad breath, receding gums, bad taste in the mouth, shifting or loose teeth and formation of pockets between the teeth and gums, the pockets around the teeth are measured in depth by an equipment known as a probe, the severity of a periodontal disease is determined by how deep the pockets are.

Treatments of the periodontal diseases are variable and it depends on the progressive stage of the disease. Periodontal treatment is basically to control any existent infection. Major methods of treatment include: healthy eating, non surgical method, proper flossing and brushing of teeth. In advanced cases of the gum diseases surgery could be performed.

However much flossing and brushing are important; brushing only eliminates plaque where the brush can reach, on the other hand flossing removes plaque that is between teeth and the gum line. Desists recommend standard or specialized toothbrushes especially motorized ones that have a smaller head.

One of the most effective and recommended prevention drugs for periodontal diseases is doxycycline hyclate also referred to as periostat; this drug suppresses collagenase which is an enzyme that leads to destruction of the gums and teeth.

print