Gum inflammation or gingivitis and a loss of periodontal tissue or periodontitis are common gum diseases. These diseases are due to bacterial coating that builds in the gumlines. In addition, smoking and diabetes are significant risk factors for gum diseases.
An ongoing gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis often begins in the molar area which is often a difficult area to clean at home. Gingivitis always precedes periodontitis which is why treating gingivitis plays an important role in preventing periodontitis.
Untreated periodontitis predisposes cardiovascular diseases and worsens the stability of diabetes. Periodontitis also increases the system’s low-grade inflammation. Gum health is therefore an integral part of overall health.
How are gum diseases treated?
Self-care plays an important role in gum disease treatment. The treatment is only successful in cooperation with the patient. The dentist cleans the bacterial coatings from the surfaces of the teeth with appropriate specialised tools. Potential factors that increase the accumulation of bacteria, such as excess filling material, is levelled and removed. The aim is to make it as easy as possible to clean the teeth so that dental care at home would be simple. Dental hygienists have an important role in maintaining the treatment results achieved.
Sometimes gum disease treatment requires special expertise and specialised tools. Especially an advanced disease of the periodontal tissue often requires the expertise of a dentist who specialises in diseases of the periodontal tissue.
Treatment of gingival recession
Gingival recession, or receding gums, can cause unpleasant problems such as daily tooth sensitivity. Gingival recession can also increase the risk of cavities forming in the root of the tooth and the risk of gum inflammation. Gingival recession can also cause aesthetic harm, but it can be treated. Sometimes protecting the root surfaces of the teeth with for example fluoride treatments or with composite plastic can be an adequate form of treatment, but at times surgical treatment is necessary to treat gingival recession.
Self-care is important for gum health
According to the Health 2000 survey, over 70% of people in Finland who have turned 30 are found to have gingivitis. Deepened gingival pockets occur in over 60% of the adult population. The occurrence of severe periodontitis increases rapidly between the ages of 20 and 40. In addition, an infection occurs in the oral mucous membranes surrounding the implant structure or in deeper periodontal tissue in nearly half of dental implants. An infection increases problems related to the implant and the risk of losing the implant.
Self-care has a pivotal importance in this case. Bacterial coating or plaque that accumulates in the gumlines must be carefully cleaned every morning and evening with a toothbrush. Bacterial coatings must also be cleaned from between the teeth daily. Dental floss, toothpicks or interdental brushes can be used to clean between the teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will inform you of the best tools for your dental care at home.
Smoking is known to be a significant risk factor for diseases of the periodontal tissue of teeth and dental implants. That is why not smoking is an important part of preventing and treating gum diseases and diseases of the periodontal tissue.
Oral health must be taken care of before dental implant treatments
Cavities do not form on dental implants. However, the tissues surrounding the dental implant can get infected similarly to the gum surrounding the teeth, and the infection can even lead to losing the dental implant. In order to avoid problems, gums must be healthy before dental implant treatments.