Gum disease, another name for periodontal disease, is an infection of a tooth’s supporting tissues. It may happen when bacteria build up on the gums and teeth to form plaque. Plaque accumulation can result in loose teeth, receding gums, and foul breath by inflaming and damaging the tissue surrounding your teeth. Serious side effects like bone and tooth loss can result from untreated periodontal disease, necessitating more invasive treatments. Thankfully, a number of treatment options are available to help enhance your oral health and lessen periodontal disease symptoms.
Bacteria that produce plaque on the teeth and gums are the cause of periodontal disease, a common oral health issue. This can cause inflammation and harm to the tissue surrounding your teeth, which can lead to loose teeth, bad breath, and receding gums. Serious dental complications that necessitate more invasive treatments can result from untreated periodontal disease. Thankfully, a number of treatment options are available to help enhance your oral health and lessen periodontal disease symptoms.
Non-Surgical Interventions:
The first line of treatment for periodontal disease is typically non-surgical. Regular dental cleanings, commonly referred to as scaling and root planing, are one of these treatments. Plaque and bacteria are eliminated from the teeth and gums by a dentist or hygienist using specialized instruments during a cleaning. In addition to preventing additional tissue damage, this helps lessen gum inflammation. Additionally, if an infection is present, mouthwashes and antibiotics may be recommended.
Root Planning and Scaling
In order to lessen inflammation and stop additional tissue damage, a dentist performs a deep cleaning procedure on the teeth and gums using specialized instruments to remove plaque and bacteria.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be recommended if an infection is present in order to lessen the number of bacteria that are causing the issue. Amoxicillin and metronidazole are the two most often used oral antibiotics.
Mouthwash
If used consistently as prescribed by your dentist or hygienist, some mouthwashes may help reduce inflammation and stop plaque buildup.
Options for Surgery
Surgical options might be suggested if non-surgical treatments are unable to adequately relieve symptoms. These treatments consist of guided tissue regeneration, bone grafting, and flap surgery. In order to access the underlying bone and tissue for a more complete cleaning, a dentist will perform flap surgery, which involves making an incision in the gums. In areas where healthy tissue has been lost because of periodontal disease, guided tissue regeneration aids in the growth of new tissue, and bone grafting is used to replace missing or damaged bone structure.
Surgery on the Flaps
The dentist uses this surgical technique to access the underlying bone and tissue for a more complete cleaning by making an incision in the gums. This can promote healing and lessen inflammation in the afflicted area.
Grafts of bone
In this procedure, graft material—typically taken from another part of the body—replaces missing or damaged bone structure. The graft can help stop additional periodontal disease damage and improve the foundation for the growth of new tissue.
Directed Tissue Repair
A barrier membrane is used during this procedure to help encourage the growth of healthy tissue where periodontal disease has caused it to be lost. This can lessen inflammation and enhance general oral health.
Homemade DIY Solutions
If used consistently as prescribed by your dentist or hygienist, a number of do-it-yourself home remedies could help you improve your oral health. These include using a tongue scraper, avoiding sugary foods and beverages, brushing and flossing frequently, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
Flossing and brushing
Frequent brushing and flossing can help lessen gum inflammation and the amount of plaque that accumulates on your teeth. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day is crucial, as is using dental floss or an interdental cleaner (like a Waterpik) once a day to get rid of plaque from in between your teeth.
Mouthwash with antibacterial properties
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be decreased by using an antibacterial mouthwash. For optimal effects, it’s critical to use the mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist or hygienist.
Steer clear of sugary drinks and foods.
Consuming sugary meals and beverages can worsen periodontal disease by increasing the amount of plaque that accumulates on your teeth. Limiting your consumption of these kinds of foods is crucial.
Scraper for the tongue
Bad breath can be lessened and general oral health can be enhanced by using a tongue scraper to help remove bacteria from the tongue’s surface.
In conclusion
Combining at-home do-it-yourself methods like brushing and flossing frequently, using an antibacterial mouthwash, avoiding sugary foods and beverages, and using a tongue scraper with professional treatments like antibiotics and surgeries can effectively treat periodontal disease. For optimal results, it’s critical to adhere to all guidelines provided by your dentist or hygienist.