What is gum disease?
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease; gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Whats is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.
What is periodontal disease?
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal diseases and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse, the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
Am I likely to suffer from gum disease?
Probably. Most people suffer from some form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for life.
What is the cause of gum disease?
All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria (biofilm), which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing or even using inter-dental brushes.
What happens if the gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around your teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, Leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
What do I do if I have gum disease?
The first thing to do is visit your dentist for though check-up of your teeth and gum. The dentist can measure the “cuff” of gum around each tooth to see if there is any sign that periodontal disease has started. X-ray may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed for you.
What treatments are needed?
your dentist will usually give your teeth a thorough clean. You’ll also be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist.
What else may be needed?
once your teeth are clean, your dentist may decide to carry out further cleaning of the roots of the teeth, to make sure that the last pockets of bacteria are removed.
You’ll probably need the treatment area to be numbed before anything is done. Afterwards, you may feel some discomfort for up to 48 hours.
Once I have had periodontal disease, can I get it again?
Periodontal disease is never cured. But as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught, any further loss of bone will be very slow and it may stop altogether. However, you must make sure you remove plaque everyday, and go for regular check ups by the dentist.
DISCOMFORT AND MEDICATIONS: Oral surgery, like other surgical procedures, may be associated with varying degrees of discomfort. this depends on the procedure involved and individual differences.
All medications should be taken strictly as perscribed. Take the first dose of painkillers (if perscribed) while the surgical site is still numb. Antibiotics (if perscribed) should be taken as directed until all are finished, as long as there are no adverse reactions or discomfort (itching, redness, etc.). Start rising gently (no swishing) with the prescribed mouth rinse only the day after the surgery. This rinse will keep the surgical area clean while it is healing. Rinse twice daily for one minute (very gently).
BLEEDING: Slight bleeding from the surgical site for one or two days is not unusual and is not a major concern. Should excessive bleeding occur, apply a moistened tea bag (not herbal tea) to the bleeding site with firm, but gentle pressure for 15 minutes; let rest for 15 minutes, then repeat for a second time only. If bleeding persists, please call our clinic immediately.
SUTURES: Sutures are placed to hold the tissues in the proper position for ideal healing. If sutures were placed, your surgeon will usually want you to return after a week or two so that they can be removed. Do not disturb the sutures with your tongue, toothbrush or in any other manner since displacement will impair healing. If you notice that a suture has come out or come loose, notify your dentist or surgeon during regular office hours.
DRESSING: A periodontal dressing is often used to cover the surgical site. The dressing is placed around your teeth to protect the surgical area and should not be disturbed. If the dressing should become loose or fall off, and there is no increase in the level of discomfort, it is okay to leave it off.
DIET: A soft diet is recommended. Avoid chewing in the area of surgery. Avoid hard, fibrous, or “sharp” foods (such as crisps) as these may be uncomfortable and can dislodge the periodontal dressing. Drink plenty of liquids.
it is important to maintain as normal a diet as possible that is high in protein, minerals and vitamins, to support post-operative healing. Now is not the time to start dieting, since this can have detrimental effects on healing and lessen the chances of success of the surgical therapy.
ORAL HYGIENE: Continue to brush and floss the teeth that were not involved in the surgery (or covered by the periodontal dressing). The surgical area should not be disturbed for the first week post-operatively. However, you may rinse gently with salt water or with a mouthwash if prescribed by your dentist. After your sutures have been removed, you should lightly clean the teeth using a soft toothbrush or as instructed by your dentist.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: After leaving the surgery, if possible, relax as much as possible for the remainder of the day. No strenuous activity for several days.
SWELLING: Some swelling is normal and may begin immediately after surgery. To minimise swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of the face in the operated area, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for a period of 4 hours. The ice should be placed in a plastic bag and then wrapped in a thin cloth towel. You should always keep your head elevated above the level of your heart during the first 24 hours after the surgery. This may necessitate the use of several pillows to support your head and upper body while sleeping.
If swelling occurs, it usually disappears after several days, Any unusual or large swelling should be reported to our clinic at once.
SMOKING AND ALCOHOL: All smoking should be stopped until after your sutures have been removed to ensure the best healing and success. Healing results are significantly worse in smokers than in non-smokers.
