#The Best Treatments for Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It's caused by a buildup of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Gum disease is very common, affecting about 50% of adults over 30 in the United States. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to receding gums, bone loss around teeth, loose teeth, and tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable if caught early. Here are the best treatments for gum disease based on its stage and severity.

##Causes and Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease develops in stages, progressing from gingivitis (mild inflammation of gums) to periodontitis (damage to gums and bone). The main cause is poor oral hygiene allowing dental plaque to build up along and under the gumline. Plaque contains bacteria that trigger inflammation and infection. Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, medications, hormones, and genetics. Here are the stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis - Early stage gum disease. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. This mild form is reversible with professional treatment and good oral care.
Periodontitis - More advanced gum disease that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports teeth. Symptoms include gums pulling away from teeth, pus around teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath. Without treatment, tooth loss can occur.
Advanced Periodontitis - In the worst cases, the gums pull away from the teeth forming pockets that become infected. Teeth become loose and fall out. Other symptoms include recurring pus around teeth and gums, and bad breath. Aggressive treatment is needed to save remaining teeth.

##Professional Dental Cleaning

The first step in treating gum disease is to schedule a professional dental cleaning. A dentist or hygienist will:

Thoroughly clean plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
Smooth away bacterial film on teeth
Remove calculus deposits
Treat areas of gum inflammation
Complete periodontal charting to assess disease severity

Getting a deep dental cleaning helps remove hardened plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. It enables gums to heal and restores them to a healthy state. For mild or moderate gum disease, regular dental cleanings every 3 months may be enough to stop its progression.

##Dental Scaling and Root Planing

More advanced gum disease requires scaling and root planing. This non-surgical treatment removes plaque and tartar under the gumline that cause infection and inflammation. A dentist numbs the area and uses special dental tools to thoroughly clean tooth roots and smooth areas of damaged bone.Scaling and root planing helps shrink enlarged gums back to a healthy size. It also reduces pockets around teeth so gums can reattach to teeth. Multiple dental visits are usually needed to fully treat all areas of the mouth.

##Antibiotics and Antimicrobials

For some moderate or advanced cases of gum disease, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobials. These medications are taken by mouth or applied directly in the space between the gum and tooth. Antibiotics (like doxycycline) help control bacterial infections. Antimicrobials (like chlorhexidine) curb the growth of bacteria locally to help gums heal after deep cleanings. Using antibiotics or antimicrobials along with dental cleanings improve results.

##Periodontal Surgery

If nonsurgical treatments can’t arrest gum disease, periodontal surgery may be needed. Various surgical procedures can remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, eliminate pockets around teeth, and help shrink swollen gums. Common surgeries include:

Pocket reduction surgery - Removes infected gum tissue to reduce deep pockets and allow gums to reattach to healthy bone.
Regenerative procedures - Use bone grafts or membranes to stimulate bone and tissue regrowth around teeth. This repairs damage and restores healthy gum attachment.
Crown lengthening - Reshapes excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth crown for restoration.
Soft tissue grafts - Strengthen weak gums or fill in gum recession by grafting tissue from the roof of the mouth.

Though invasive, periodontal surgery aims to stop progressive gum disease and save compromised teeth. Proper home care and regular dental visits are still needed after surgery to maintain results.

##Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Preventing and controlling gum disease relies heavily on effective brushing and flossing. Good oral care removes plaque daily before it can harden into tartar and cause dental problems. Brush gently along the gumline using proper technique. Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes. This keeps your entire mouth plaque-free for optimal gum health. Regular dental cleanings combined with thorough brushing and flossing provides the best defense against gum disease.

Treating gum disease in its early or moderate stages can stop its progression and prevent extensive damage. See your dentist if you notice swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Professional treatment along with diligent oral hygiene can successfully combat gum disease. Taking good care of your teeth and gums now prevents more intensive treatments later and can save your teeth.

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