Periodontal Treatment | Oral Cavity | Dental Plaque | Dentist | Health Corner

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Periodontal Treatment | Oral Cavity | Dental Plaque | Dentist

2021.1.1

Is gum disease an illness of the elderly? Why does it occur?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is not exclusive to older people. Increasingly, young and middle‑aged adults are affected by its symptoms. Because it is a chronic bacterial infection that can flare up or ease temporarily, many patients delay proper treatment. Periodontal disease affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. When dental plaque accumulates along the gum line, bacteria in the plaque release toxins that inflame the gums and supporting tissues, leading to gum disease.
If you notice bleeding while brushing or persistent bad breath, do not dismiss it as tiredness or “internal heat.” These may actually indicate gum disease developing silently. Many people overlook its seriousness until the inflammation becomes severe or the gums begin to recede. At that point, professional dental treatment becomes necessary.
Untreated gum disease can affect not only the gums and teeth but also facial appearance. Receding gums and bone loss can cause teeth to loosen, shift, create gaps, or even fall out.

Signs of Gum Disease

Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are early signs of gum disease. For accurate diagnosis, consult a dentist for a detailed examination. Common symptoms include:

Mild gum disease

Red and swollen gum margins

Bleeding during brushing
Possible tartar buildup
Tooth or gum discomfort
Bad breath

Moderate gum disease

Severe redness and swelling along gum edges

Frequent bleeding while brushing
Receding gums exposing part of the tooth root, making teeth appear longer
Formation of periodontal pockets (space between gums and tooth roots due to tissue destruction)
Tartar accumulation
Bad breath
Gum or tooth pain

Severe gum disease

Marked gum inflammation and redness
Persistent bleeding during brushing
Advanced gum and bone recession causing teeth to appear longer
Pus discharge or gum abscesses
Heavy tartar buildup
Strong bad breath
Teeth looseness or shifting
Tooth loss in advanced cases

How can gum disease be treated?

If you develop gum disease, appropriate treatment depends on the condition’s severity. Early consultation with a dentist is key. In most cases, initial visits and minimally invasive procedures are sufficient, followed by regular reviews.
However, if the disease progresses to periodontitis, surgical treatment may be required to clean and repair gum and bone tissue, sometimes including tooth extractions or dental implants. Early intervention greatly reduces treatment time and cost.

Treatment by stage:

Mild gum disease	Brush and floss thoroughly morning and night to remove plaque. Undergo professional scaling to remove tartar, making plaque control easier.
Moderate gum disease	Schedule a dental visit soon for scaling and deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar inside periodontal pockets. Maintain consistent oral hygiene (brushing and flossing twice daily). Follow dentist recommendations and attend periodic checkups.
Severe gum disease	Seek professional dental care immediately. Treatment may include: Professional scaling Root planing or periodontal surgery to remove bacteria and tartar from tooth roots and pockets Antibiotics if prescribed by the dentist Maintain strict oral hygiene twice daily during treatment. Continue good habits and regular checkups afterward to prevent recurrence.

How to prevent gum disease from returning?

Treatment controls but does not permanently cure gum disease. Long‑term maintenance and routine dental visits are essential for preventing recurrence. After completing treatment, maintain excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups to keep your mouth healthy.

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