Gum Disease Treatment | What Causes It?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the result of an infection and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed due to irritation. In its later stage, periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth which causes teeth to loosen or even fall out and may cause bone loss in the jaw. While periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults, children have been known to get it. Either way, it starts with a lack of proper oral care.

Causes of Gum Disease

Bacteria in our mouths start to infect tissue surrounding our teeth, which causes inflammation and leads to periodontal disease. When bacteria stays on our teeth long enough, it forms a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar buildup can spread below the gum line, which makes our teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease from progressing any further.

Gum Recession

Receding gums occur when the margin of gum tissue that surrounds our teeth wears off or pulls back, a process that exposes more of a tooth or its root. Pockets or gaps then form between our teeth and gum line, giving easy access for disease-causing bacteria to buildup. Untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of our teeth can be severely affected, eventually leading to tooth loss. Gum recession is an everyday dental concern, though many children and their parents do not realize when they have it because the process transpires gradually. Tooth sensitivity is usually the first sign of gum recession, or a tooth that appears lengthier than normal. To confirm the presence of gum recession, a notch can often be felt close to the gum line. Receding gums can directly lead to further worries, so be sure to contact our office as soon as it is suspected. Gums can recede for a number of reasons:

• Periodontal Diseases | The primary cause of gum recession, periodontal diseases are bacterial gum infections that infect gum tissue and the supporting bone that secures teeth in place.
• Dental Care | Ineffective brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash simply invites plaque to develop into calculus (tartar), a hard substance that grows on and between our teeth. Only a professional dental cleaning can eliminate it.
• Aggressive Brushing | Brushing strenuously can cause the enamel on our teeth to wear away, receding our gums.

Not only can gum recession make smiling appear imbalanced, but it can pose a serious oral health risk. When tooth roots become exposed, they are more prone to decay and do not receive the proper support from gum tissue. Eventually, this can lead to more severe conditions, such as tooth loss. As a practice that prioritizes biological dentistry, we are proud to offer conservative solutions that minimize trauma to the gum tissue and provides a more comfortable dental experience.

Prior to beginning treatment, we administer a local anesthetic to the treatment area. Typically, treatment time for each tooth is about one hour. After the procedure, your child may experience some swelling and minor discomfort, most children require little to no downtime. However, for a few days following, your child should avoid spicy and abrasive foods that could irritate the treatment area.

Prevention and Treatment

Gum disease can be controlled and treated with a proper oral hygiene regimen and regular professional cleanings by our office. More severe forms of gum disease can also be treated successfully, however, they may require a more extensive treatment plan. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications, and sometimes corrective surgery. To help prevent or control gum diseases, it is important to brush and floss twice a day to remove any bacteria that causes gum disease and to book an appointment with our office twice per year for checkups, or more frequently if your child has any of the warning signs or risk factors mentioned above.