Bacterial infection usually causes inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. If the inflammation is not diagnosed and left untreated it can cause a serious infection known as periodontitis (also known as gum disease). Gingivitis and gum disease are major causes of tooth loss in the case of adults.
While the leading cause of gum disease is plaque, some of the other factors that contribute to this condition include:
- Medical conditions
There are certain conditions that affect the condition of one’s gums. This includes serious medical conditions that influence the immune system like cancer or HIV. Also, conditions like diabetes tend to affect a person’s ability to utilize sugar, this in turn increases the risk of risk of developing infections like cavities and periodontal disease.
- Lack of oral hygiene
If one does not take care of his/her teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, it becomes easier to develop conditions like gingivitis.
- Certain medicines
The oral health of a person is impacted because of certain medicines that tend to decrease in the flow of saliva. This is because saliva has a protective effect on gums and teeth. Some antianginal medications and anticonvulsant medications may cause abnormal growth of gum tissue leading to gum disease.
- Hormonal changes
There are hormonal changes that one goes through during puberty, monthly menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes in a woman’s body tend to have an impact on the sensitivity of the gums and increase the chances of gum disease.
- Other causes
Habits like smoking or chewing tobacco make it further harder for the tissue of the gums to repair itself. Also, having a family history of gum disease and dental problems can be an adding factor for the development of gingivitis.
Treatments for gum disease are based on various factors, such as the degree of inflammation, the overall health of the person, and the treatments used beforehand. Effective treatments for gum disease may include:
- Non-surgical treatments: In order to deep clean the teeth without any surgical procedures, there are several procedures the doctor may avail for. These cleaning procedures are helpful for removing tartar and plaque in order to treat the inflamed gums-
- Root planing: This treatment helps in smoothing the rough spots and remover tartar and plaque from the surface of the roots.
- Lasers: Lasers help in the removal of tartar and the treatment causes less pain and bleeding compared to other non-surgical procedures.
- Scaling: It is one of the common treatments which is used for removing tartar below and above the gum line.
- Surgical treatments: These may include bone surgery, bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, soft tissue grafts, pocket reduction/flap surgery.
- Antibiotic treatments may be used in combination with surgeries and other treatments.
- Toothpaste that contains antibiotics and fluoride may help reduce plaque.
