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Gum Disease and its
Treatment:
What patients need to know!
By Thomas W.
Miller Ph.D.
ABPP, Staff Writer
Gum disease, also
referred to as periodontal disease, is an
infection of the tissues and bones that
surround and support the teeth. Gum
disease can vary from mild gingivitis,
which causes the gums to bleed easily
when brushed, to severe periodontitis
wherein the bones that support the
teeth are damaged and which can lead
to tooth loss. Gum disease occurs
when the bacteria that are present
in plaque are allowed to accumulate
on and around the teeth and gums.
Smoking or using spit tobacco greatly
increases a person’s risk for gum disease. The precise manner in which
heart disease and gum disease are
linked is still unclear. The fact remains
that heart problems are twice as likely
when gum disease is present. It has
also been shown in recent studies that
treating gum disease will lower your
chances of having a stroke as well.
Treatment for gingivitis includes
improved brushing and flossing at
home and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist. For periodontitis, the dentist will use a method called
root planing and scaling that removes
plaque and tartar buildup both above
and below the gum line. Antibiotics
may be needed to help get rid of the
infection. If gum disease is severe, surgery may be required.
Root planing and scaling is one of
the most effective ways to treat gum
disease before it becomes severe. Root
planing and scaling cleans between the
gums and the teeth down to the roots.
Your dentist may need to use a local
anesthetic to numb your gums and
the roots of your teeth. Some dentists
and dental hygienists will use an ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling.
This tool is not as uncomfortable as
a standard scraping tool, but not all
cleanings require this type of tool. If
anesthesia is used lips and gums may
&
Sources & Resources
Appreciation is extended to Christopher
Davis DMD for guidance and assistance
in the development of this article
American Dental Association (2013)
Association Between Gum Disease and
Coronary Artery Disease. Retrieved at
http://jada.ada.org/
Heart Disease Health Center (2013)
WebMD. Retrieved at: http://www.
webmd.com/heart-disease/features/
your-guide-gum-disease
WebMD Retrieved at: http://www.
webmd.com/oral-health/root-planingand-scaling-for-gum-disease.
About the Author
Thomas W. Miller, Ph.D. ABPP is
a Professor Emeritus and Senior
Research Scientist, Center for Health,
Intervention and Prevention, University
of Connecticut and retired service
chief from the VA Medical Center and
tenured Professor in the Department
of Psychiatry, College of Medicine,
University of Kentucky
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remain numb for a few hours. There
is little or no discomfort during planing and scaling treatment. Discuss the
benefits with your dentist and dental
hygienist.
Photo by Earlane Cox