What Are Some Gum Disease Treatments?
Gum disease is a common oral health condition that ranges from mild inflammation to severe damage to the gums and bone. Treatment varies depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Below are suggestions on how to treat gum disease.
Improving Oral Hygiene
The most essential treatment for gum disease involves maintaining proper oral hygiene. This is your first step to help you maintain healthy gums. This includes brushing teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and flossing once a day. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that causes gum infection. Regular oral care will help prevent plaque. In early stages like gingivitis, improved home care alone may reverse the condition.
Consistent Professional Dental Cleaning
Mild cases of gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) can often be reversed with routine dental cleanings performed by a dental hygienist. During cleaning, plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) are removed from tooth surfaces and above the gumline. Patients are usually advised to schedule cleanings every 6 months, or more frequently if gum disease is present. X-rays once a year are also recommended.
Scaling and Root Planing
For more advanced gum disease, dentists use a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a deeper cleaning than a regular cleaning. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help the gums reattach.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacterial infections. Antibiotics are often used alongside scaling and root planing to enhance effectiveness. They can be in the form of oral medications or topical applications like gels or medicated mouth rinses.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle adjustments can support treatment success. Quitting smoking is critical, as tobacco use is a major risk factor. Eating a balanced diet and taking care of your health conditions, such as diabetes, can also improve gum health outcomes.
Surgical Treatments
In severe cases of periodontitis, surgical procedures may be necessary:
- Soft Tissue Grafts: Tissue is taken from another part of the mouth to reinforce thin or receding gums.
- Flap Surgery: The gums are lifted back to allow deep cleaning and then sutured tightly around the teeth.
- Bone Grafts: Used to restore bone lost due to infection.
After treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance is very important. Patients may need more frequent dental visits (every 3–4 months) to monitor gum health and prevent recurrence. Long-term success depends on your commitment to both professional and home care routines. Early detection is key to preventing progression and preserving oral health. Regular dental visits and proper care are imperative.
Reach out for support
If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, following your dentist’s suggestions could turn the condition around and improve your gum health. Regular dental visits will help prevent gingivitis and more serious dental conditions. Expect a discussion with your dentist about your visit and a treatment plan, if needed. Please contact our office if you have any questions or for an appointment.
Related Article: What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?