Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Oral hygiene is the practice of maintaining the health of the mouth, gums, tongue, and teeth through proper cleaning and care. Good oral health enables efficient chewing, enhances personality, and supports overall body growth and development. Today, let’s learn more about gums.

Healthy gums appear pale pink, thin, knife-edged, and closely adhere to the teeth without swelling or redness.

Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gums, causing them to become swollen, red, and soft with easy bleeding. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition affecting periodontal tissues, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, leading to loose teeth, pain, swelling, and pus formation.

Causes of Gingivitis and Periodontitis

When teeth are not brushed or cleaned effectively, plaque accumulates, especially near the gum line. Over time, this buildup hardens and combines with minerals in saliva to form tartar. This tartar facilitates more plaque accumulation. Bacteria in the plaque release toxins that cause inflammation in periodontal tissues, leading to swelling, redness, and easy bleeding. If untreated, it can result in significant destruction of periodontal tissues, gum recession, and eventually, tooth loss.

Treatment Methods

If gingivitis is detected, scaling to remove tartar along with maintaining good oral hygiene is recommended. Regular dental check-ups and scaling every six months are advised.

If periodontitis is diagnosed, scaling and root planing, along with meticulous oral hygiene, are necessary. Follow-up visits every 3-6 months are recommended.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease by Specialists

Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health problems. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. The disease is caused by bacterial infection on teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and loss of supporting tissues.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque accumulation on teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates and inflames the gums, causing periodontal disease.

Risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Genetics
  • Stress
  • Weakened immunity

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Early symptoms of periodontal disease include gum inflammation, which may manifest as:

  • Swollen, red, and painful gums
  • Bleeding gums during brushing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Gum recession

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

Depending on the stage and severity, treatments include:

  1. Scaling and Root Planing: Removal of plaque and tartar from teeth and roots to reduce inflammation and improve gum attachment.
  2. Periodontal Surgery: For advanced cases, surgery is performed to remove tartar from deep gum pockets and restore gum health.
  3. Antibiotics: To control infection and reduce inflammation.
  4. Laser Therapy: A precise and efficient method for removing bacteria and inflamed tissues.

What is Root Planing?

Root planing is a dental procedure for removing plaque and tartar beneath the gums and on tooth roots. If left untreated, these deposits can lead to gum inflammation, gingivitis, and eventually periodontitis.

Steps in Root Planing

  1. Assessment of Gum Health: A thorough examination to evaluate the depth of gum pockets and tartar buildup.
  2. Deep Cleaning: Special instruments are used to remove tartar and plaque from teeth and gum pockets.
  3. Root Planing: Smoothening the tooth roots to prevent bacterial accumulation and promote gum reattachment.
  4. Follow-Up Care: Post-treatment check-ups to ensure improvement and address any persistent issues.

Benefits of Root Planing

  1. Reduces Gum Inflammation: Removes irritants to decrease swelling and prevent disease progression.
  2. Prevents Tooth Loss: Stops disease from advancing to a point where teeth are lost.
  3. Eliminates Bad Breath: Reduces bacterial buildup, a primary cause of halitosis.
  4. Improves Oral Health: Strengthens gum and tooth stability.

Who Needs Root Planing?

Ideal for individuals with gingivitis or periodontitis where tartar buildup beneath the gums cannot be removed through regular brushing or flossing. Dental evaluation is essential for appropriate treatment planning.

Post-Treatment Care for Root Planing

Proper dental hygiene is vital to prevent recurrence. Recommendations include:

  • Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
  • Avoid smoking, which worsens gum conditions.
  • Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleaning and check-ups.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to prevention:

  • Brush teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
  • Regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

Periodontal disease is preventable and treatable with proper care. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and timely treatment can maintain oral health and prevent complications.

Post-Scaling and Root Planing Instructions
Possible Symptoms After Treatment

Tooth Sensitivity Sensitivity after scaling is common and resolves within a week. Using desensitizing toothpaste can help. Avoid whitening toothpaste during this period as it may worsen sensitivity.
Loose Teeth In periodontitis patients, teeth may feel loose initially but will stabilize over time.

Gaps Between Teeth In cases of gum recession, removing tartar may reveal spaces between teeth.

In periodontitis treatment, slight bleeding may occur on the first day. Bite on gauze and rinse with saline water.

Regular brushing and oral care can resume immediately.

Normal eating habits can continue post-treatment.

Periodontist Specialist

Dr. Pinyada Intarasean

Periodontist

• DDS (Second Class Honors), Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University
• Certificate in Residency Training Program in Periodontics

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