Proper tooth and gum care can prevent gum diseases, namely gingivitis and periodontitis. This involves adopting good oral hygiene habits and following regular dental checkups. Gingivitis develops when bacterial plaque builds up on the teeth, and periodontitis develops following gingivitis. Other than trying out oral hygiene habits at home, you need to consider visiting a renowned dentist to prevent plaque formation and treat it properly.
Schedule your visit to a reputed Memorial City dentist to identify the presence of gingivitis and periodontitis and prevent them before intervening with surgical solutions. Read on as we discuss the possible ways dentists follow up to treat and prevent these gum diseases.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of having gingivitis or periodontitis, your dentist shall recommend you to:
- Brush two times a day, once when you wake and once before bed.
- Have your diabetes under control.
- Avoid smoking or consuming any tobacco products.
- Floss between your teeth every day to avoid the formation of bacterial plaque.
- Limit food intake and drinks containing excess sugar and alcohol content in them.
You may be at higher risk of developing a gum disease like gingivitis if your family has had it. Be sure to schedule your dental checkups frequently to maintain your oral health and prevent gum disease occurrence.
Treatment
A periodontist specializing in gum disease will clear the pockets surrounding the teeth to prevent damage to the nearby gum tissue and bone areas. Upcoming is a set of nonsurgical treatments followed by dentists to treat gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Scaling: Scaling helps remove the bacteria and tartar below your gum line and around the tooth surfaces. This process will be done using instruments such as an ultrasonic or laser device.
- Root planing: This treatment process involves smoothing the roots, which prevents bacteria and tartar from spreading.
- Antibiotics: Oral and topical antibiotics help control bacterial infection's spread. Oral antibiotics are prescribed to get rid of bacteria that are known to be causing infections.
Surgical Treatments
If you have advanced periodontitis, your dentist will discuss and perform surgical intervention.
- Pocket reduction surgery: The periodontist shall make cuts by your gums to rightly fold back the tissues. This makes the tooth roots more effective in scaling and root planing processes. As periodontitis can cause bone loss, your underlying bone shall be reshaped before stitching the gum tissues to its place.
- Soft tissue grafts: The damaged gum tissues must be reinforced before treating such conditions. The periodontist shall remove a small part of tissue either from the roof of your mouth or by using tissue from reliable donor sources and then attach them back to the affected site. This kind of surgery prevents gum loss in the future, covers the exposed roots, and gives your overall teeth structure a better appearance.
- Bone grafting: This surgical procedure is performed when gum disease like periodontitis has destroyed the bones found around your tooth roots. The graft shall be made using small bits of your bone or artificial materials. Bone grafting helps prevent tooth loss by rightly holding your tooth in its place. It serves as a platform for enhancing the regrowth of natural bone.
Conclusion
Prevent the formation of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis by prioritizing your oral hygiene. Other than brushing and flossing, it would be best to stick to your regular dental checkups to identify the formation of these gum diseases and prevent them in the early stages. Early detection and prevention will let your gums remain healthy and avoid facing extensive surgical interventions.