How Can It Be Treated?

Gum disease can be treated in a number of different ways, depending on how advanced it is.

In its milder form, gingivitis can be treated with improved oral hygiene, which involves brushing properly at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. (If you don’t like flossing the new miniature ‘bottle’ brushes which are the size of toothpicks may be helpful - www.curaprox.info) Mouth rinses or gels containing hyaluronan also help eliminate gingivitis by naturally healing gums and reducing inflammation.

Another way of treating gum disease, in its early stages, is plaque removal. Performed by a dentist or a hygienist, the tartar and plaque that cannot be removed by brushing is scraped off the gum line. This deep cleaning is called ‘scaling’ or ‘root planning’. Root planning also involves smoothing the root of the tooth where germs can gather to make it difficult for plaque to adhere to in future.

If gum disease has reached an advanced stage, a referral to a periodontist may be required to remove the plaque that remains in pockets deep under the gum line.

Antibiotics can also be prescribed to kill some of the bacteria associated with gum disease and can be used in conjunction with surgical and non-surgical treatment of the gums.

What you can do to avoid these problems?

thorough daily cleaning and brushing in between teeth in addition to your normal brushing

removal of plaque and dental calculus by your dentist or hygienist, at regular intervals

regular and specific application of mouthrinses or gels containing hyaluranon to the irritated gums that are susceptible to inflammation and injury