Early Gum Disease & Gingivitis

Gum disease is a very destructive disease that attacks not just the gums (the gingiva), but also the bone support around each tooth. Many people have straight teeth, no history of tooth decay, and yet still lose their teeth! This can be attributed to the aggressiveness of gingivitis, and is just one of the many reasons why visiting the dentist on a regular basis is so important.

The warning signs of gum disease

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms you more than likely are experiencing gingivitis:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Gums that are very sore or tender to brushing or flossing
• Gums that have changed in shape or texture
• Gums that release pus
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Teeth that feel loose or have changed in the way that they fit together

Treatment for gum disease

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, or suspect that you have it; you need to radically change the way you take care of your oral health.

Your dental hygienist will take the following action:

1. Recommend that you receive a deep cleaning (scaling and root planning), a very meticulous cleaning that removes bacteria and harmful debris. It is usually completed within a 1.5 hour appointment. Anesthetic may be used to ensure your complete comfort.
2. Recommend a prescription mouthwash to jump start the healing of your gum tissue. This peridex mouthwash (chlorhexidine) is antibacterial, and will assist your mouth in keeping bacteria under control.
3. Instruct you in proper homecare habits. You will need to use a high quality electric toothbrush, as well as dental floss on a regular basis.

In the future, you will need to see your dental hygienist more frequently, about every three or four months, until the gum disease is resolved. Gingivitis requires additional attention and maintenance procedures, which is why it is so vitally important to be seen regularly.

Most insurance companies will decline to pay for more than two dental cleanings per year. It is very important to remember that insurance should never dictate your quality or quantity of care.

Peridex (Chlorhexidine) Mouthwash

This is the mouthwash that will be prescribed for you during your periodontal treatment. It is a very effective method of killing free floating bacteria; however some side effects do exist.

• You may notice after two weeks of use that a brown stain has appeared on your teeth. Not to worry. This can be polished off by your dental hygienist.
• Also you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth, this too is also temporary. Once you stop using the Peridex, your taste will return to normal.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gum tissue. It is usually caused by poor brushing and flossing habits, and is reversible if proper brushing and flossing habits are resumed.

Causes

Gingivitis is usually caused by the excessive build up of food or bacteria in or around the gum tissue. They release toxins that irritate the tissues. If gingivitis is left untreated it can cause bone destruction around the teeth, commonly called periodontitis. Because the bone around each tooth provides support, loss of this structure eventually means the loss of the tooth.

Regular dental cleanings are essential in removing the bacteria beneath the gum line that causes gingivitis. Research shows that these bacteria once removed, returns to its original state in 3 months. These bacteria if allowed to flourish for any length of time can enter the blood stream and cause significant damage to our heart and vessels.

Other causes of gingivitis include:

• Pregnancy or puberty hormones
• Some medications
• Injury to the gum tissue
• Uncontrolled diabetes

Most of these causes in some way alter the bacterial composition of the mouth, which causes the gums to react adversely, usually in an inflammatory response.

Prevention

Gingivitis can be avoided with proper brushing and flossing, as well as frequent visits to the dentist.

Diagnosis

If you have any of the conditions mentioned above, visit your dentist immediately. Your dentist and dental hygienist will examine the plaque build up in your mouth, measure your gingival pockets, and take x-rays to determine if you have gingivitis.

Treatment

The easiest way to treat gingivitis is to first have a thorough dental cleaning to remove as much plaque, bacteria, and tartar build up from the gums as possible. You will need to follow this up with persistent flossing and brushing. Brushing three times a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash will help return your gum tissue to normal. The inflammation should resolve within two weeks.

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is a painful inflammatory type of gingivitis, also called "Trench Mouth". It is caused by excessive amounts of bacteria, resulting in painful, swollen gum tissue and mouth sores.

It can happen when inflammation of the gums during a case of gingivitis suddenly intensifies.

Symptoms of ANUG include:

• Sore gums
• Excessive bleeding upon contact
• Red, smooth, and shiny gums
• Ulcers between the teeth
• Bad breath and a bitter taste in the mouth

ANUG requires professional treatment! Your dental professional will instruct you to use an antibacterial mouth wash to decrease the bacteria count. You will need to have your teeth cleaned every 4 months until ANUG is resolved. You may be asked to take some antibiotics as well. Rest, a balanced diet, and no smoking will also help this condition to resolve.

" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "

If you would like to learn more, or if you believe you have a dental infection, you should contact Dr. DiStefano and Dr. Nguyen to seek our services right away. We are committed to providing our patients in the Lansing area with the best family and cosmetic dentistry services available.