Gum Disease (Periodontitis) Treatment
Comprehensive care for gum disease to restore your oral health and protect your smile
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It's primarily caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth.
In its early stage, called gingivitis, gum disease causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, bone is lost, and teeth may loosen or fall out.
At Indira Dental Clinic in Vellore, we offer comprehensive treatment for all stages of gum disease to help restore your oral health and prevent further damage.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Red, Swollen Gums
Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Redness, swelling, or tenderness in the gums are early signs of gingivitis.
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods indicate inflammation and potential gum disease.
Persistent Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away after brushing or using mouthwash can be a sign of bacteria buildup from gum disease.
Receding Gums
Gums that pull away from teeth, making teeth appear longer, indicate advancing gum disease.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
As gum disease progresses and affects the bone supporting your teeth, teeth may become loose or change position.
Pus Between Teeth and Gums
Infection can cause pus to develop between teeth and gums, indicating advanced periodontal disease.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dental team immediately. Early intervention is key to preventing serious complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
Primary Causes
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up on teeth and along the gumline.
Plaque Buildup: Plaque contains bacteria that produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.
Tartar Formation: When plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), it creates a protective shield for bacteria and can only be removed by professional cleaning.
Risk Factors
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease and can lower treatment success.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to disease.
Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of infections, including gum disease.
Medications: Some medications can reduce saliva flow, which protects the mouth, or cause abnormal gum tissue growth.
Genetic Susceptibility: Some people are genetically more prone to gum disease than others.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Non-Surgical Treatments
Professional Dental Cleaning
Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can't be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing.
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to teeth (root planing).
Learn more about Scaling and Root PlaningAntibiotic Therapy
Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacterial infection. These can include antibiotic mouth rinses, gels, or microspheres placed in periodontal pockets.
Surgical Treatments
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction)
In this procedure, the gums are lifted back to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets and then sutured back in place to fit snugly around the tooth, reducing the space between the gum and tooth.
Bone Grafts
When periodontitis has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth root, bone grafts can help regenerate bone and stabilize teeth.
Soft Tissue Grafts
This procedure reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded by taking tissue from another area of your mouth or using synthetic material.
Learn more about Gum GraftingGuided Tissue Regeneration
This procedure stimulates bone and gum tissue growth by placing a special piece of biocompatible fabric between existing bone and your tooth.
Advanced Treatments
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments can be used to remove inflamed gum tissue and reduce the bacteria in periodontal pockets, often with less pain and bleeding than traditional methods.
Host Modulation
This involves medications that modify the host response to infection, reducing tissue destruction and bone loss associated with periodontitis.
Preventing Gum Disease
Daily Oral Hygiene
Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.
Floss Daily: Clean between teeth once a day with dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove plaque and food particles.
Use Mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, and reduce the speed at which tartar develops.
Professional Care and Lifestyle
Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and examinations.
Quit Tobacco: If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting will significantly reduce your risk of gum disease.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, can help boost your immune system and fight gum infections.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight infections, including gum disease.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Research has established a strong link between gum disease and various systemic health conditions. The bacteria associated with periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, potentially affecting other parts of your body.
Gum disease has been associated with increased risk of:
Heart Disease
Bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease, which can in turn make diabetes harder to control.
Respiratory Diseases
Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, causing respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
Pregnancy Complications
Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight in pregnant women.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The inflammation from gum disease may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Alzheimer's Disease
Some research suggests a potential link between gum infections and the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Maintaining good oral health is not just important for your mouth—it's essential for your overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum disease reversible?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. However, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is not reversible, but it can be controlled with proper treatment to prevent further damage.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Most non-surgical treatments are minimally uncomfortable. For deeper cleanings or surgical procedures, local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort. Our team prioritizes gentle care and will work with you to manage any anxiety or discomfort.
How long does gum disease treatment take?
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Mild cases may require just one or two visits for professional cleaning, while more advanced cases might need several appointments over a period of months for scaling, root planing, and possibly surgical interventions.
Will my insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for periodontal treatments, especially preventive and non-surgical procedures. Coverage for surgical treatments varies. Our office staff can help you understand your benefits and explore payment options.
Can children get gum disease?
Yes, children can develop gingivitis, but periodontitis is less common in children. Good oral hygiene habits established early in life can help prevent gum problems. Regular dental check-ups are important for children to monitor their gum health.
Related Services
Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots.
Learn MoreGum Grafting
Surgical procedure to cover exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession and prevent further gum loss.
Learn MorePeriodontal Surgery
Advanced surgical treatments to restore damaged gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
Learn MoreDon't Ignore the Signs of Gum Disease
Early intervention is key to preventing serious complications from gum disease. Contact Indira Dental Clinic today to schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.