Gum treatments
Gums and bone form the foundation of the teeth. Therefore, during every check-up, we pay attention to the health of your gums and the underlying bone that supports your teeth and molars.
In addition to the development of cavities (caries), problems can also occur that are related to the gums and the underlying bone (the periodontium). Inflammation of the gums without affecting the underlying bone is called ‘gingivitis’. If the gum inflammation also involves the breakdown of the jawbone, it is called ‘periodontitis’.”
Dental plaque
The cause of cavities and gum inflammation is dental plaque, a whitish substance of harmful bacteria that forms on the teeth and should be removed by brushing three times a day. If too much plaque is left on the teeth, the gums become inflamed. This is often the result of not brushing often enough and/or not cleaning properly between the teeth. Many people think that brushing alone is enough to keep the mouth clean, but they may not realize that 40% of the tooth surfaces are located between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Therefore, it is important to clean between the teeth as well, using dental floss, toothpicks, or interdental brushes, which are available at any pharmacy.
Gingivitis
With inflamed gums, you may notice that your gums sometimes bleed while brushing or flossing/toothpicking. Often, the gums are also slightly sensitive to touch. In this case, a professional dental cleaning by one of our dental hygienists is usually sufficient. During this treatment, the teeth will be cleaned, and advice will be given on how to maintain proper oral hygiene by using the correct brushing, flossing, and toothpicking techniques.
Periodontitis
In periodontitis, there is permanent damage to the bone that supports the teeth and molars. This damage occurs because tartar beneath the gums causes a chronic inflammatory response in the gums, leading to the breakdown of the jawbone. In many cases, periodontitis goes unnoticed because the inflammation usually does not cause pain. However, treatment is important, as without it, more bone is lost over time, which can eventually cause teeth to become loose and may lead to tooth loss.
When periodontitis is present, more intensive care is required. First, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis, including a pocket chart. Using a special instrument, we measure the depth of the space between the tooth and the gum at all teeth; this space is called a pocket. We also often take X-rays to create an appropriate treatment plan.
