Simple gum problems may not be very alarming, but the consequences of neglect might be too much to handle. Gingivitis is detected when gums become very sensitive. It can sometimes be painful and can bleed if touched. Also, one of its most unpleasant effects is halitosis or bad breath. It makes an individual lose confidence and decrease his or her social interaction skills.
When gingivitis evolves into periodontitis, the worst thing that could happen is for a person’s teeth to fall off. Dentists usually suggest proper dental hygiene to prevent this from happening. Prophylaxis, as it is clinically termed, is more commonly known as preventive dentistry. It is the correct way to manage teeth, involving frequent brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
A regular visit to the dentist would also help alleviate the problem. There are also professional treatment procedures dentists require in order to hasten a person’s recovery from the disease. Some of these treatments are surgical in nature. An example of a surgical procedure is gum lifting. This process requires a periodontist’s concentration because the procedure wouldn’t be that effective if the resulting contours of the gums aren’t good.
A Chattanooga periodontist, for example, performs gum lifting or gingivoplasty by removing the portions of the gingiva and remodeling it to something more attractive. Gums that have been damaged by periodontitis might make teeth look asymmetrical because of the receded lines. What dentists do is bring back the gum’s proper shape, improving the appearance of the teeth in the process.
Scaling is another treatment a Chattanooga periodontist and similar professionals across the country can conduct to improve the health of a patient’s teeth. It involves the removal of tartar or hardened plaque to prevent further damage to the dental structures. The procedure targets the spaces between the teeth and underneath them. It also cleanses the whole mouth so that bacteria can no longer destroy other components of the teeth.
Antibiotics are also available, although there are still some arguments about it with regards to safety. Chattanooga periodontics experts and other authorities on this topic suggest that these medicines can have some side effects.