Teeth are usually the main focus when it comes to oral health. But we can’t forget about gums. Gums are an important part of the dental structure as they protect the sensitive part of your teeth. Unfortunately, no one is immune to gum diseases, and if not taken care of, they will risk the well-being of your teeth.

Gum diseases come about when plaque builds up along your gumline. Plaque is a sticky and firm substance full of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If you are experiencing tenderness, bleeding gums, or have inflamed, red or swollen gums, visit us for a gum health procedure.

What is Gum Treatment?

Gum treatments are procedures done to correct gum diseases. Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that attack tissue fibers and bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease has two major stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage and manifests as a mild gum disease characterized by gum inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis develops into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more advanced gum disease that damages the bones and the tissues supporting your teeth.

Gum treatment in Universal City, TX, is determined by the type and severity of the infliction. However, the main goal of gum disease treatment is to clean the gum pockets around your teeth and prevent damage to the surrounding bone. Therefore, gum disease treatment may be non-surgical or surgical. The dentist may also recommend lifestyle and home remedies to ensure the success of the treatment procedure.

The non-surgical procedures include:

• Use of antibiotics to control bacterial infections. These antibiotics could be topical or oral. Topical antibiotics are mouth rinses or the insertion of gels between your teeth and gums. However, to fully eliminate infection-causing bacteria, oral antibiotics are preferred.
• Root Planing involves smoothening the root surfaces to discourage further plaque buildup. It also removes any bacterial byproducts that cause inflammation.

The following are examples of surgical gum treatment procedures.

• Flap surgery. This treatment is done by lifting back a section of your gum tissue by making tiny incisions. It exposes the roots for more efficient scaling and root planning.
• Bone grafts are done if the bone surrounding the tooth root has been damaged by periodontal disease. The bone graft may be synthetic, donated, or grafted from your bone.

What is The Fastest Way to Heal Receding Gums?

Gums can pull away from the tooth, leaving the roots exposed. These gums are known as receding gums. They create gaps where more plaque and bacteria collect, leading to gum recession. If not treated, receding gums can eventually cause tooth and bone loss.

Several factors can lead to receding gums, including poor oral hygiene, excessive brushing, genetics, and old age. In addition, gum tissues do not regenerate like other tissues, so they don’t grow back. However, treatment options can stop or slow down gum recession.

• By Improving Your Oral Hygiene Habits. If traumatic dental brushing is the cause of receding gums, then reevaluating your oral hygiene habits should be the first step. Start using a soft, ultrasoft, or an electric toothbrush with force detectors. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste; instead, use toothpaste recommended for sensitive teeth. This will prevent further gum recession.
• Scaling and Root Planing. It involves the removal of tartar around the gum line, teeth, and gaps created by receding gums. The procedure uses a hand scraper or an ultrasonic device that loosens and removes the plaque through vibrations. Alternatively, your dentist may apply a slow-release antibacterial gel beneath your gumline or prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash.
• Surgical Procedures. If your gums have severely receded, your dentist may recommend surgical procedures such as a gum graft. The oral surgeon will extract gum tissue from other parts of your mouth during this gum treatment procedure. Surgically they will then place the grafted tissue on the receding area.

Heal Your Gum with Us on National Gum Care Month

It is estimated that 64 million Americans suffer from varying gum diseases. This is evident that most people are yet to learn about gum wellness. The month of September is the national gum care month. At Universal Dental, we are taking this opportunity to create awareness on how to care for our gums. Flossing twice daily, regular dental check-ups, and proper brushing improve your gum health.

‍