Discover the root cause of your gum problems, then  learn how to treat severe periodontal disease.

Periodontitis treatment is essential to eradicate bacteria from the oral cavity and it is done to simulate the healing of the affected area, or areas in most cases. If you have gingivitis, periodontitis or ANUG (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis), you are not alone. There are many people who have the same problem. Therefore, do not lose hope, as the infection can be resolved, with the proper dental techniques, of course. However, please remember that your infection should not be taken lightly. In some cases, severe forms of periodontal disease can affect your system, as the bacteria may travel to other parts of the body.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of periodontal gum disease. The progress of periodontal disease is generally broken down into two phases. it is very important to understand that you do not simply wake up one day and immediately have it. There is a disease of the gums that has been progressing up to this point. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the progression of gum disease and its root cause.

So in summary, periodontitis is severe, advanced gum disease. 

What is the Cause of Periodontal Disease? 

Before we discuss periodontal treatments, it is important to tackle the reasons why people have gum problems. There are a lot of factors that can lead to this condition. However, the main reason is that the normal amount of bacteria has multiplied. This may be caused by plaque, tartar, being immune-compromised, hormonal changes or certain medications for hypertension and seizures.

Since the mouth contains 500 or more species of microorganisms regularly, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. This will keep the levels of bacteria to a minimum. Microorganisms multiply in number when there are large amounts of plaque or tartar deposits. Food debris provides these organisms with ample nutrients needed to multiply in number. When the volume of bacteria is greater than normal, infection will begin.

Once this happens, our immune system goes on overdrive. It releases chemicals to combat the bacteria. Macrophages play an important role in this case. They engulf the bacteria and cover them with chemicals. This makes it easier for our other cells to destroy the organisms. However, the chemicals produced during this process will harm the tissues in the affected area. This causes inflammation.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It is characterized by red, inflamed and painful gums. Bleeding occurs during brushing and even with slight contact. This is a reversible condition that can be done with the help of proper brushing and flossing techniques. It is best to go to your dentist once a month for thorough cleaning procedures.

No bone or tissue loss occurs during this stage. This means that if the problem is addressed during this phase, you will not have to worry about permanent damage. However, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible as the longer tartar and plaque stay on your teeth, the more harmful they can be.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis goes untreated, the damage becomes irreversible. A advanced conditions develops wherein the bacteria gains access  to the bone and roots. The organisms invade the space between the roots and the alveolar socket. During this period, periodontal pockets are formed, as the gums and the tooth are separated by these areas filled with bacteria. The immune system will have to fight harder, as the infection begins to break down the structure of the root and the bone. If this is left untreated, there is a chance that the pocket may widen. The infection may spread to the soft tissue and the jaw.

Please note that teeth may become loosened, and they may have to be extracted. Please note that aside from the mentioned risk factors, smokers are at an increased risk of developing this problem. People who smoke and receive treatment may also expect a slimmer chance of success.

As mentioned above there may be underlying contributing factors to aggressive  and chronic periodontitis, such as a compromised immune system. Check with your medical doctor to discuss how underlying health conditions may be driving or contributing to the difficulty in controlling bacteria, thus the process of gum disease.

Stages of Gum Disease 

Signs of Advanced Periodontal Disease

During regular visits, your dentist will check your gums and teeth any distinguishing signs that the bacteria has set in:

• Receding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Gum inflammation
• swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Gum abscess or pus
• Unaligned teeth
• Change in the depth of gum pockets.

Probing for Periodontal Pockets.

Once your periodontist or hygienist identifies the signs of gum disease or as part of the routine checkup, they may use a tiny probe, which resembles a ruler, to check the gumline for the presence of periodontal pockets. The normal probe depth should range between one to three millimeters. Anything deeper than that signifies the presence of a periodontal pocket. While this procedure is usually painless, people with periodontal pockets may feel slight to moderate discomfort, owing to the infection. Many dentists use an electronic probe that records the depth at each visit.

X-Rays to Reveal Bone Deterioration.

The dentist may also take an x-ray to confirm the presence of gum disease. If pockets are present, he or she will refer you to a periodontist, as this specialist will have the expertise necessary to treat the condition.

Give More Attention When You have a Chronic Illness. 

However, if you have any systemic illness or are taking medication that can cause gum problems, you may be asked to visit every one to two months as a precautionary measure.

Periodontitis Treatment

The periodontist’s main goal will be to control the spread of infection. The treatment will usually require multiple visits. The number will vary, based on the extent of the damage. However, please note that it is important to practice proper oral hygiene techniques at home as well. Please note that smokers may be asked to quit, as smoking will lessen the effectiveness of the treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing

This technique is done to remove the plaque above and under the gumline. Scaling is the process wherein scraping is done to remove tartar. Root planing technique that makes use of a tool to smoothen out rough spots on the roots. These areas are infected with microorganisms that cause the disease. Please note that the dentist may use manual tools or a laser to achieve the desired result.

Medicine

Medication is needed to resolve the problem. Chlorhexidine mouthwash may be prescribed for home care. This formula controls bacteria and is used just like regular mouthwash. You may be asked to switch to a liquid toothpaste. Most periodontists prefer them, as the regular dentifrice has harsh ingredients that may damage the sensitive area. He or she will usually prescribe a natural cleaning solution that contains essential oils with antimicrobial properties.

An antiseptic chip may be inserted into the area. It will contain chlorhexidine and be placed in the periodontal pocket to reduce the infection. Anti-bacterial gel may also be placed in the periodontal space. Lastly, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed to control the infection. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will also be given, to lessen the discomfort and inflammation cause by the invasive treatment.

Flap Surgery

In cases wherein an extensive area is involved; flap surgery may be required. This is done when the pockets are very deep. This technique is required to remove tartar deposits found in deeper pockets. The gum area is incised and lifted away for the procedure. Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, the gingiva is sutured back. Patients will notice that the gums will fit more tightly around the teeth after this procedure.

Gum Grafts

Gum grafts are performed by taking soft tissue from other areas of the mouth and transferring them to the cleaned area where there is a receding gum line. The tissue is sown to the affected area with hopes that they will cover gums that have receded. It can be a painful and costly procedure. There are newer procedures available, such as the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ that are less radical and offer a quicker recovery time, but can also be costly.

Tissue And Bone Graft Techniques

A graft may be required for severe cases wherein there is bone loss. Synthetic bone is placed in the area to stimulate bone growth. Tissue grafts may also be required to cover any exposed roots. Synthetic material may be used. However, in most cases, tissue is harvested from another part of the oral cavity.

Periodontal Treatment Costs

Your periodontist will choose a gum disease treatment according to your particular needs. Therefore, people with mild to moderate cases may not need to undergo flap surgery or grafts as those procedures. However, please note that each treatment comes with a possible percentage of failure, depending on your case and how well you follow the post-operative care procedures at home. Everyone, however, must deal with the root cause of gum disease – bacteria. Kill it or it may kill you, literally!

If you are looking for a periodontitis cure, natural options may not reverse the damage already done. However, together with the help of your periodontist, a natural periodontitis treatment solution may effectively kill and subdue the root cause — uncontrolled bacteria. This is a non-negotiable. What are you waiting for?

Gum disease affects most adults to some degree during their lifetime. In the case of mild gum disease, such as gingivitis, the condition can be easily reversed and there are now long-lasting health problems. Periodontal disease however, which is the advanced phase of gum disease, can lead to long term problems. Periodontal disease causes some serious health problems and understanding more about the condition can help you to avoid ever developing it.

This article will guide you through the causes, symptoms and treatment options for gum disease.

Root Cause of Periodontal Gum Disease

Periodontal disease develops when earlier stages and symptoms of gum disease have been ignored. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is a bacterial infection of the gingiva (gum tissue). Gum disease, whether it be mild gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, is always caused by bacteria.

Every day your mouth is bombarded by large amounts of bacteria growing on the teeth and gums. These bacteria feed and flourish off the leftover food particles that remain in your mouth after each meal.

If these food particles and bacteria are not removed regularly through a consistent home oral health routine, then the gingiva becomes irritated and inflamed. Over time this irritation of the gum tissue can become a bacterial infection.

The bacterial infection is made worse by the presence of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky kind of matter that is produced when your saliva and oral bacteria interact. It is a yellowish kind of color and clings onto the teeth and gums. If plaque is not brushed and flossed away, it can harden and become tartar. This is why you need to see your dentist or hygienist regularly in order to scrape it away before too much damage is done.

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

There are many different signs and symptoms of gum disease that warn a patient there is something awry with their oral health. Gingivitis in its early stages can be difficult to notice. Dentists are able to see the initial signs of the condition, which is one of the reasons that it is important to have regular dental check-ups.

There are also things for you to be on the lookout for so that you can reverse gum disease before it becomes serious periodontal disease.

The signs of gingivitis to be aware of include:

• Bleeding gums after you brush your teeth
• Bad breath that does not go away after brushing
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums that are moving away from the teeth

If you have some of the symptoms of gingivitis, you need to make a dental appointment right away. They will be able to provide a correct diagnosis and provide you with an effective treatment plan. Starting treatment in the early days of the condition means that you will be able to fully recover your oral health quickly and easily.

In most cases gingivitis that is identified early can be reversed simply by sticking faithfully to an oral hygiene routine that includes brushing after each meal, flossing carefully and using a natural mouthwash or liquid toothpaste containing anti-bacterial botanical oils such as spearmint and peppermint.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

When gingivitis is not eradicated early on, then the infection will worsen until it becomes a condition known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. At this stage, the infection is very serious and there is a risk of long-term damage to oral health.

There are various symptoms of periodontitis to be aware of:

• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Teeth falling out
• Shifting of teeth, which alters the shape of your bite
• Infection of the gum bone
• Pus
• Abscesses

Treatments for periodontal disease

If you are diagnosed with periodontitis by your dentist, then you are likely to require some form of procedure in order to get rid of the infection and restore your dental health. There are several surgical and non-surgical procedures that may be performed. Among them are the following:

Root planing and scraping – is performed by your dentist to remove tartar and bacteria that are under the gum line and smooth out the pockets of bacteria that can form around the teeth.

Pocket reduction surgery – this may be undertaken when there are large, bacteria filled pockets around the tooth root. These are often filled with infection so the bacteria will generally be cleaned out and then the gum tissue may be surgery stitched back into place.

Gum tissue grafting – when the gum tissue is so infected that it needs to be replaced, skin may be grafted from the roof of the mouth.

Medications – antibiotics will often be prescribed to accompany periodontal disease treatments in an attempt to get the bacterial infection under control.

Your dentist may choose any option above or another periodontal disease treatment depending on your individual condition and needs. These days many surgical dental procedures to reverse gum disease are performed with laser rather than traditional surgical implements.

Gum Disease Prevention

Most people are able to easily avoid developing gum disease and periodontal disease causes by following a regular home dental hygiene routine. This should include brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-headed brush or an electric toothbrush with an oscillating head. Try to use toothpaste that does not contain harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate. Use dental tape to floss between your teeth and remove stuck foot particles. Finally, rinse your mouth at least twice a day with a natural, alcohol-free mouthwash.

What are you waiting for. Now that you are armed with this information start taking action now.

Gingivitis and Gum Disease Cure and Treatment Options

It is a sad fact that gum disease affects most adults at some stage during their lives. While there is not necessarily a periodontal disease cure, there are things you can do in conjunction with your dentist in order to minimize damage and in some cases reverse the disease process. They can also recommend natural at-home treatment options. Various methods can eradicate the condition and usually restore gum health. However, a life-style change is required for long-term success.

There are mild stages of the condition, which can be reasonably easily reversed without leading to long-lasting oral health problems; however, there are also more advanced stages which can be serious. The advanced and chronic form of periodontal gum disease is called periodontitis and it can cause some long-term health issues if it is not taken care of. It all starts, however, at the begin stage of the disease process, which is called gingivitis.

Gingivitis cure and treatments

Almost all gum disease, whether it be mild or advanced, is fostered by the growth and flourishing of  bacteria on the teeth and in the gums leading to chronic infection. There are several factors that are involved, but bacteria is key. If you can control and manage bacteria you are on the right path. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, and it is the mildest. When you have developed this form of gum disease you may notice the following symptoms or even nothing at all:

• Redder than usual gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush them or when you eat crunchy foods
• Bad breath (also known as halitosis)
• Weird taste in your mouth
• Receding gums

If you see some of these symptoms, then you should immediately visit your dentist for a deep clean in order to control and remove the dental plaque and bacteria that cause the condition and further advice about how to proceed. A dentist is able to offer professional diagnosis and personalised treatment plans.

If you notice that you have gingivitis early enough, then you are usually able to overcome it reasonably easily. Often all that is required is that you step up your oral hygiene routine at home. You should ensure that this includes:

• Brushing after each meal using a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush (example: Oral-B with an oscillating head).
• Using appropriate toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulphate.
• Using floss to gently get rid of food that can become lodged in your teeth and gums.
• Rinsing your mouth with a mild mouthwash that does not contain alcohol – (i.e.,  a natural mouthwash containing botanical oils).

If you follow the above routine and advice each day, you will remove much of the bacteria that are causing and maintaining the gingivitis infection. Check with your dentist that you are using the correct brushing technique and in most cases this will be enough to give you back your total oral health.

Periodontitis cure and treatments

Periodontitis occurs when the earlier stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, are not observed and treated. When this stage of the condition develops, you are unlikely to be able to overcome it merely through home dental hygiene routines. It is usually the case that you will need professional dental intervention, which may take the form of non-surgical or surgical procedures.

Of course, if at all possible it is best to avoid having to undergo these procedures as they can be uncomfortable and even painful, time consuming and above all, expensive.

Non-surgical treatments

Non-surgical dental procedures may include:

• Antibiotics – medications like antibiotics are not strong enough to eradicate all the infection when you have already developed periodontitis, but they can be of assistance. Your dentist will often prescribe a course of antibiotics to accompany other treatments.
• Scraping and root planing – this is a procedure where the plaque, tartar and bacteria are removed from the gum tissue and periodontal pockets in order to facilitate healing. The root planing smooths over the tooth root surface area so that gum tissue can grow back more easily.

Surgical treatments might be needed when the condition cannot be properly treated using non-surgical methods. Some of the surgical procedures that may be performed include:

• Gum tissue grafting – when the gums have receded substantially and there is diseased gum tissue in the vicinity, it may be necessary for the dental surgeon to graft healthy tissue onto the area. Normally the disease free tissue from the roof of the mouth is grafted and placed around the tooth root.
• Pocket reducing surgery – During this treatment, the tartar and infection are removed from the periodontal pockets that form around the tooth. The gum tissue is then replaced more snugly around the tooth to limit the amount of bacteria that can enter the pocket.

There are several treatments that are offered by dentists these days for curing periodontal disease. However, it is always best to prevent this condition by following good oral care plan that includes regular visits to your dental hygienist rather than having to look for a stand-alone periodontal disease cure, that simply does not exist. Discover more about periodontal disease treatment options.

There are certain medical conditions that can affect your gum health and make you more susceptible to gum disease. Periodontal disease and diabetes, unfortunately, often go hand in hand. Following many medical studies over several decades, the link between diabetes and gum disease has been shown time and time again.

If you have either type I or type II diabetes, or even gestational diabetes, you have a much increased chance of developing gingivitis or more advanced gum health issues such as periodontitis. It is therefore important that all diabetics understand how gum diseases such as periodontitis develop; why they are at increased risk of the condition and what they can do in order to protect their oral health.

It is essential for the more than 26 million Americans who have diabetes to understand how their health condition can make them vulnerable to developing further health issues, such as gum disease. By possessing knowledge about this condition, they are in a powerful position to prevent it from ever occurring.

There is also some scientific evidence to suggest that diabetes may not only lead to increased chance of developing gum disease, but that developing gum disease may also affect blood glucose and increase your chances of developing diabetes. This link is yet to be fully established, but it offers a further incentive to maintain an excellent routine for dental health.

What causes gum diseases?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that inflames the gum line. Bacteria are usually the culprit for gum disease. The problem is exacerbated by the increase of tartar and plaque on the teeth and in the crevices of the gums. Overtime the infection can also cause problems with the teeth and even gum bone. There are two key phases of gum disease – gingivitis, which is the initial and milder phase of the condition and periodontal disease, which is the advanced and much more serious phase.

Gingivitis occurs when bacteria leftover from the food that you eat release toxins and cause an infection. This begins to affect the gum tissue and causes symptoms such as:

• foul breath
• bad taste in the mouth
• bleeding gums
• dark red coloured gums

Gingivitis is easily treated and reversed without causing serious or long-lasting dental health problems. However, if it is ignored it will eventually become periodontal disease, which can lead to lasting dental problems.

Periodontal disease may produce the following symptoms:

• Loose or wobbly teeth
• Abscesses
• Pus on the gum line
• The abscess and pressure may or may not produce sharp or throbbing tooth pain.
• Loss of teeth
• Gum recession (It could be general in an area or a receding gum on one tooth)
• Pockets of gum tissue

This stage of the condition is serious and requires professional dental attention. You may require some surgery in order to restore gum health and overcome the condition. If the infection is left to its own devices at this stage, you are likely to lose teeth, develop infection in the bone and it can even affect your heart health.

Normally gum disease is prevented simply by following a good home oral health routine. This should include cleaning your  gums and teeth twice every day, flossing and using a natural mouthwash with a scientifically formulated mix of botanical oils such as almond, peppermint, and spearmint, which have antibacterial properties. Such a routine will remove most of the bacteria that cause gum disease and leave your mouth fresh and clean.

Why do diabetics have increased risk of developing the condition?

Diabetics generally have a heightened risk of developing gum disease because they are more likely, as a rule, to develop bacterial infections.  There are a couple of reasons for this:

• Diabetics generally do not have circulation that is as effective as non-diabetics. Good blood circulation is needed to remove toxins from the gum tissue and deliver nutrients that lead to healthy gum tissue.
•  The bacteria that create problems love to feed on sugar. In diabetics who have poorly controlled blood sugar levels, the amount of sugar in the blood can encourage oral bacterial growth.
• Diabetics tend to have diminished immune function, which means that they have more trouble than non-diabetics at fighting off bacterial infection.

People with diabetes are also more likely to develop some other oral health problems such as oral thrush, cavities, dry mouth and mouth ulcers. It is, therefore, imperative that diabetics make looking after their teeth and gums a priority.

How diabetics can prevent developing gum disease

Diabetics can and should do several things to prevent developing gum disease:

• Oral hygiene – follow a good dental health routine every day, which should include brushing at least two times, but preferably three times a day; flossing your teeth every day and using an alcohol free mouthwash.
• Control blood sugar levels – it is important to maintain steady blood sugar levels in order to avoid developing gum disease as well as many other potential health conditions to which you are more susceptible as a diabetic. Ensure you visit your endocrinologist regularly so that blood sugar levels are being controlled and monitored in the most effective way possible.
• Cut down on processed foods – processed foods are higher in sugar, sodium and fats and lower in nutrients that you need to fight off infection and build healthy gum tissue.
• Drink plenty of water to flush away bacteria from the mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly – your dentist is able to see the signs of periodontal gum disease before you notice the symptoms. It is therefore important to visit your dentist for a check-up every six months. They are also able to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease.
• Use appropriate dental products – some dental products out there are not actually all that good for your oral health. Make sure you select toothpastes and mouthwashes that are free from alcohol and sodium lauryl sulphate. Natural products are good alternatives.

Periodontal disease and diabetes are seen together all too often by dentists. But, by following the above advice, you can protect your oral health. By being proactive about your health, you can prevent potentially serious conditions such as periodontitis, which often affect diabetics.