Gum diseases affect the gum tissues surrounding the teeth, varying in severity and primarily including gingivitis and periodontitis. They are primarily caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth, which can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation. Other contributing factors may include inadequate oral hygiene, smoking, an unhealthy diet, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes.
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis
is one of the gum diseases characterized by a medical condition marked by inflammation of the gums, also known as gingival tissue. It is one of the most common forms of gum disease and is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a thin, adherent layer of bacteria, proteins, and food residues that forms constantly on the teeth. When plaque is not regularly removed through tooth brushing and flossing, it can irritate the gums and cause inflammation.
The typical symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums during brushing or flossing. Other signs may include gum sensitivity, persistent bad breath, and sometimes an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Gingivitis is one of the reversible gum diseases with proper treatment and good oral hygiene practices.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, such as periodontitis, which involves damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gum tissue, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat gingivitis early to prevent its progression and preserve gum and dental health.
PERIODONTITIS
Periodontitis is one of the gum diseases involving inflammation and damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth, collectively known as the periodontium. These tissues comprise the gum tissue, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. Periodontitis develops when the inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, is left untreated and extends to the deeper tissues. This condition can result in bone loss around the teeth, the formation of deep gum pockets, tooth mobility, and, in severe cases, tooth loss itself.
The typical symptoms of periodontitis include inflamed, bleeding, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, presence of pus between teeth and gums, persistent bad breath, and tooth mobility. The treatment of periodontitis usually involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical therapies, including thorough professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar, periodontal surgery to repair or reconstruct damaged tissues, and the use of antibiotics to control infection. Long-term management of periodontitis requires close collaboration between the patient and the dental professional, including proper home oral hygiene and regular visits to monitor the health of gums and periodontal tissues.
RECEDING GUMS
Receding gums, also known as gingival recessions or gum recessions, occur when the gum line moves upward, exposing a larger portion of the tooth root. This can cause tooth sensitivity, exposure of the tooth root, and sometimes an undesirable aesthetic appearance as the tooth roots may appear longer. Receding gums can be caused by a variety of factors, including gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, aggressive tooth brushing, genetic predisposition, excessive pressure on the teeth during chewing, lack of space between the teeth, excessive tooth wear, and other dental and gum conditions. The treatment of receding gums depends on the severity of the problem and the underlying causes and may include surgical procedures such as gum tissue grafting or flap surgery, or non-surgical interventions such as laser therapy or root coverage therapy. It is important to consult a specialist for an accurate evaluation and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
PREGNANCY GINGIVITIS
Pregnancy gingivitis, also known as pregnancy-induced gingivitis, is a form of gingivitis that occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the pregnant woman’s body. During pregnancy, the increase in progesterone levels can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of gum inflammation. Additionally, hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive to bacterial plaque, further increasing the risk of developing gingivitis.
The symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis may include red, swollen, and bleeding gums during brushing or flossing. These symptoms tend to be more pronounced during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
It is important to manage pregnancy gingivitis effectively to avoid potential complications for oral and overall health. Preventive measures and treatment include strict oral hygiene, such as regular tooth brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for professional dental cleaning. In some cases, the dentist may recommend additional treatment, such as antimicrobial therapy or personalized oral hygiene instruction, to address pregnancy gingivitis.
Preventing and managing gingivitis during pregnancy is crucial not just for the mother’s oral health but also for the baby’s well-being. Some studies indicate that untreated gum inflammation during pregnancy may elevate the risk of premature birth or infants with below-average birth weight. Hence, it’s advisable to seek dental assessment and tailored advice on preventive and therapeutic dental care from a dentist during pregnancy.
GINGIVAL HYPERPLASIA
Gingival hyperplasia, also known as gingival overgrowth or fibroepithelial hyperplasia, is a condition characterized by excessive growth of gingival tissues, leading to an increase in gingival volume. This enlargement can involve one or more areas of the gums and is often accompanied by a swollen or thickened appearance of the gums.
From a medical perspective, gingival hyperplasia can be classified into various forms, including:
Drug-induced gingival hyperplasia: This form of gingival hyperplasia is often associated with the use of certain medications, such as antiepileptic drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, and calcium channel blocker antihypertensive drugs. Gingival hyperplasia in these cases may be attributed to the abnormal response of gingival tissues to these medications.
Gingival hyperplasia associated with disease: In some cases, gingival hyperplasia may be linked to underlying medical conditions such as leukemia, Cushing’s syndrome, scleroderma, and other systemic diseases.
Hereditary gingival hyperplasia: This form of gingival hyperplasia is associated with genetic predisposition and may be inherited from one or both parents.
The causes of gingival hyperplasia are not always clear and may vary depending on the case. However, regardless of the underlying cause, gingival hyperplasia can compromise oral health and dental function. The treatment of gingival hyperplasia depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause and may include surgical procedures to remove excess gingival tissue, medical therapies to manage associated conditions, and corrective interventions to improve smile aesthetics. It is important to consult a specialist or periodontist for an accurate evaluation and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for gingival hyperplasia.
STOMATITIS
Stomatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane within the oral cavity, including the mouth and other structures such as the lips, cheeks, tongue, and palate. This inflammation can manifest with symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, ulcers, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes fever.
The causes of stomatitis can vary and include bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster virus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), coxsackie virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Candida albicans, and other pathogens. Other causes may include local trauma, chemical irritations, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and adverse drug reactions.
Stomatitis can occur in various forms, including:
Herpetic stomatitis: Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), this form of stomatitis presents with painful blisters and ulcerations that may appear on the oral mucosa, lips, and inside the mouth.
Herpes zoster stomatitis: This form of stomatitis occurs when the herpes zoster virus affects the mouth and surrounding areas, causing painful blisters and ulcers.
Candida stomatitis: Caused by a fungal infection from Candida albicans, this form of stomatitis can present with white or yellowish plaques on the oral mucosa, accompanied by pain and a burning sensation.
The treatment of stomatitis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. It may include the use of antiviral, antifungal, or antibacterial medications, topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and supportive measures such as regular oral hygiene and the application of ice or mouth rinses to alleviate pain and discomfort. In some cases, additional medical care or diagnostic-therapeutic procedures may be necessary to manage the condition effectively. It is advisable to consult a physician or dentist for an accurate evaluation and a personalized treatment plan for stomatitis.
Treatment of Gum Diseases
The treatment of gum diseases depends on the severity of the condition and may involve various therapeutic strategies. Here is a general list of treatment modalities used to treat gum diseases:
Oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is essential for treating gum diseases. This includes brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, regular use of dental floss to remove plaque between teeth, and using antibacterial mouthwashes to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.
Professional dental cleaning: During a visit to the dentist or dental hygienist, a professional dental cleaning will be performed to remove accumulated plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
Scaling and root planing: This is a non-surgical procedure involving the removal of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth and roots. It is performed to treat early-stage gingivitis and periodontitis.
Periodontal surgery: In cases of advanced periodontal disease, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged tissues around the teeth. This may include procedures such as flap surgery, gum tissue grafting, guided bone regeneration, and bone grafting surgery.
Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help control gum inflammation and infection. These medications may include antibiotics, local antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Laser therapy: Some dentists use lasers to treat gum diseases, aiming to remove inflamed and bacterial tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Regular follow-up: After treatment, it is essential to continue practicing strict oral hygiene and schedule regular follow-up visits with the dentist or dental hygienist to monitor gum health and prevent relapse.
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the gum disease, the individual patient’s response, and other factors such as overall health and lifestyle. It is important to consult a dentist for an accurate evaluation and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for individual needs.
OUR PATIENT STORIES
