| By :
Stephen Daniels
Gum disease is a problem that affects as much as half of the population. Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that studies these diseases and their treatment. Many people may not be aware that they have some form of gum disease, but it is important to deal with the problem sooner rather than later in order to avoid the more pernicious side effects of periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene is necessary, but it is usually not enough to repair any damage that has already been done. For that, there are a number of non-surgical and surgical procedures designed to remedy the problem and make teeth and their supportive structures healthier. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. It is characterized by swollen gums that are often already infected, and that bleed when you brush. If the problem is treated at this earlier stage, most people could save themselves a lot of pain and expense. Periodontitis is the later stage of the disease, characterized by plaque that has spread below the gum line. Bacteria multiply where protected from flossing and brushing, leading to further degradation. Eventually - if left untreated - periodontitis can affect the structures that support the teeth, ultimately requiring that infected teeth be extracted. But periodontal disease is far more dangerous than lost teeth. Infections in the mouth can and do spread to other parts of the body linking this issue to such very serious health issues as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and diabetes. Once periodontal disease is diagnosed, treatment is imperative. Most dentists will try one of several non-surgical, deep cleaning and other procedures designed to clean below the gum line. They include: * Scaling: tartar, or hardened plaque is removed from beneath the gum line, preventing the continued growth of bacteria in hard-to-reach places * Planing: a process of smoothing the root of an infected tooth to remove bacterial toxins that lead to further plaque buildup * Periodontal trays: flexible, custom-fit teeth trays that are worn at home and contain anti-bacterial medication to reduce infection Deep cleaning, although effective in most cases, may be painful, especially when root work is required. Sedation dentistry is an option for those unwilling to deal with the pain and discomfort of the more stringent procedures, and usually allow the entire procedure to be completed in just one visit. In extreme or very advanced cases when non-surgical methods don't work, surgery becomes the only option for fighting the disease. Besides routine oral hygiene, regular dental visits go a long way in preventing periodontal disease. For those experiencing an advanced stage of the disease, more invasive non-surgical methods may be unavoidable. So, if you notice that your gums always bleed when you brush your teeth, don't ignore this warning. Call the dentist right away, just as you would if your scalp started bleeding every time you wash your hair. It might not just save your teeth, preventative measures now could save your life.
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