Periodontal diseases are inflammatory diseases of the gum tissue that supports the teeth due to various reasons. It usually manifests itself with bleeding while brushing. Gum diseases are responsible for 70% of tooth loss. Untreated gum problems in the long run can cause a painful process that can lead to jaw bone melting and tooth loss.
What are the symptoms of gum diseases?
- Bleeding gums while brushing or out of the blue
- Complaints of pain, tenderness, inflammation and tingling
- Inflammatory discharge from gum tissue
- Red and hyperemic gums
- Easily separate the gum from the teeth
- Presence of loose teeth
- Constant bad breath
What are the causes of gum disease?
The most important reason is that ‘bacterial dental plaque’ exists on the teeth and gums for a long time. When oral hygiene is not maintained or neglected for a long time, bacterial plaques settle on the teeth and gums. These bacterial plaques, which are not cleaned for a long time, turn into dental stones known as tartar. At the same time, these bacteria begin to cause irritation in the gums by releasing harmful products. As the inflammation progresses, bacteria reach deeper into the gum pockets, into the bone, and a situation leading to tooth loss occurs.
How to prevent gum diseases?
Regular tooth brushing should definitely be done. In addition to cleaning with a toothbrush, the interfaces of the teeth should also be cleaned using dental floss. In addition, the gums should be cleaned by sweeping while brushing. You should go for a dentist check-up every 6 months and have your teeth cleaned when necessary.
What Do We Do in the Treatment of Gum Diseases?
In cases of gum disease, all checks are made by our gum specialist (Periodontology Specialist) in our clinic and gum treatment is applied when deemed necessary. In gum treatment, first all bacteria are removed from the mouth, and the tartar that causes bacterial retention is completely cleaned. Sometimes one session is sufficient for this, while sometimes two sessions are required for cleaning.
The root surfaces of the teeth are also smoothed to prevent bacterial retention. Gum pocket depths are measured and healing rates are evaluated in other sessions. If there is gum that is hyperemic and moves too much away from the tooth, it is removed by a procedure called ‘gingivectomy’. In more advanced cases, various surgical procedures may be required.
