Periodontal Treatment (Gum Care)
What are the causes of gum disease?
Gum disease is usually caused by the build-up of bacteria in oral tissues that leads to the formation of plaque, which essentially hardens into tartar. Tartar is a hardened substance that cannot be fixed by simple brushing or flossing. It requires a comprehensive oral cleaning done by a dental professional. If gum disease is left untreated, it can get even worse and can result in potential tooth loss and increased risks to oral and overall health.
Gingivitis, a common and mild form of gum disease, causes the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing. If it is not treated early on, it can advance to a more serious gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause the inner layer of the gum and bone to pull away from the teeth and form pockets, which in turn can result in tooth loss. The effects of gum disease on the overall health can be pretty dangerous because it has been linked to life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and even dementia.
How to treat gum disease?
Gum disease is treated depending on the condition of each patient. Dental professionals create a customized treatment plan with procedures available to address the particular condition. Vaguely speaking, the procedures are done to reduce the infection and slow the progress of the disease. Some of these procedures include deep cleaning and laser dentistry.
Deep cleaning, also known as “deep scaling and root planing,” is the process where plaque and tartar that has settled deep within the gums is removed. Aside from that, the tooth roots are also smoothed. Because of this, the gums will be able to easily attach themselves to the teeth.
On the other hand, laser dentistry usually comes in as the final step of deep cleaning where it aims to provide a strong seal between the gums and teeth. This procedure also helps minimize bleeding and discomfort and helps shorten the recovery period.
Halitosis (Bad Breath Care)
What is halitosis or bad breath?
Halitosis, most commonly known as chronic bad breath, is the condition wherein bad breath persists for an extended amount of time even after brushing and flossing. Halitosis is usually caused by consistent improper dental hygiene. The food particles from foods with a foul odour that stay in your teeth can cause your mouth to stink.
Aside from that, it can also be a result of smoking tobacco and cigarettes because these products will cause you severe mouth odour. Another factor can be if you tend to sleep with your mouth open or if you constantly breathe through your mouth. This practise leads to dry saliva which contributes to the worsening of your mouth’s odour. Other times, it can also be a sign of underlying health problems.
How to treat halitosis?
To treat halitosis, you need to consistently observe proper oral hygiene. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, clean or scrape your tongue, floss, and rinse using mouthwash. Besides that, you can also try to avoid consuming foods that you know will not be favourable to your breath. It is also helpful to remember to keep yourself hydrated at all times.
If you’re a chain smoker, then you definitely should try quitting. If all of these prove ineffective, it might be time to consult the dentist because halitosis can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying dental problem like gum disease or tooth decay. It is advisable to visit a dentist who can help solve your problem by conducting a comprehensive oral check-up and exam.
