Periodontal Treatment

All gum disease is caused by plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat it you need to remove all the plaque from your teeth every day, by brushing and by cleaning between the teeth with interdental brushes or floss.

People who smoke are more likely to have gum disease. Smoking changes the type of bacteria in plaque, reduces blood flow to the gums and makes them more likely to become inflamed. Smokers’ gum disease gets worse more rapidly, and because of the reduced blood flow smokers may not get the warning sign of bleeding gums.

If periodontal disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss — it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. The disease develops slowly in most people and can be slowed to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for life.

In recent years gum disease has been linked with general health conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular disease, poor pregnancy outcomes and even dementia. While more research is needed to understand these links, there is growing evidence that a healthy mouth and gums help improve general health.

Your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove the scale, and you will be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively.

Once your teeth are clean, your dentist may carry out further cleaning of the roots of the teeth. This is known as root planing or non-surgical debridement. The area may need to be numbed before anything is done, and you may feel some discomfort for up to 48 hours afterwards. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist or hygienist.

Periodontal disease is never cured, but it can be controlled as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught. Any further loss of bone will be very slow and may stop altogether — but you must remove plaque every day and go for regular check-ups.

One effect of successful treatment is that the swollen, inflamed gums often recede as they heal. This can change the appearance of the teeth and sometimes causes sensitivity if the root dentine is exposed. Your dentist may be able to offer desensitising treatments, and desensitising toothpaste will help.