Teeth Cleaning

Teeth Cleaning

Gum surgeries are the surgeries that are performed towards improvising the gum conditions and the structures around it like the supporting bone and the teeth. Gum surgeries in today’s era are less invasive unless the infection has spread widely and aggressively. Gum surgeries are performed for two reasons one in case of periodontal disease and other in case of esthetic complaints.

Periodontal disease occurs due to accumulation of bacteria around the teeth in the form of plaque and later on it turning to calculus causing bad breath (halitosis). This in turn causes gum inflammation, gum recession or gum overgrowth.

Gum inflammation is generally seen as inflammation or red and bleeding gums caused due to bacterial accumulation causing irritation to gums. These are tender, bleed on touch or brushing. Gum recession is seen in cases with huge accumulation of plaque/calculus/ tartar, mechanically pushing the gum away from the tooth as the accumulation increases. This loosens the grip of the tooth in the socket hence leading to mobile teeth and eventually loss of teeth. Gum overgrowth is seen to appear more in cases of hormonal imbalance like in case of pregnancy or as a part of few syndromes.

In all these cases the underlying cause has to be treated first, due to which the irritation factor is removed, proceeding with proper ultrasonic cleaning and scaling along with medicaments applied locally. In few other cases minimally invasive gum surgery might be required. These will be well explained to you by the dentist.

Gum pigmentation is also a common problem noted that can hamper the esthetics of your smile, as the gums are highly pigmented (melanin) appearing as black/ brown. Gum depigmentation is a process by which the gums are scrapped off leaving you with pink esthetically pleasing gums that are healthier.

Unhealthy gums are asymptomatic in most cases but few symptoms that indicate towards unhealthy gums are bleeding gums, foul odor from mouth, unpleasant taste, puffiness in gums, descending gums, loosening of teeth. Unhealthy gums often leading to formation of pockets. I.e.; space between the tooth and the gums, in turn causing resorption of healthy bone and hence bone loss and eventually tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease, as it causes inflammation and also increase in inflammation.

How healthy gums look:

How to have healthy gums:

• Floss. Floss. Floss.
• Use therapeutic mouthwash
• Brush in the right and gentle way, do not use vigorous methods as it may harm the gums
• Use fluoridated toothpaste
• Do not eat very hot food
• Get oral prophylaxis done every 6 months. Regular checkup can help detect early gum diseases.
• Eliminate the cause of unhealthy gums is must
• Improvise brushing technique and use of oral hygiene products
• Avoid smoking and tobacco containing products.
• Avoid aerated drinks and food products containing food color.

Diet that helps keep your gums healthy:

• An apple a day keeps a doctor away is rightly said as chewing an apple takes time and increases salivation and hence works as a natural cleanser.
• Cheese- it contains good amount of protein and calcium.
• Salads containing all green leafy vegetables resolves the excess acid in the mouth.
• Green tea serves well towards maintaining the pH of the oral cavity
• Milk, yogurt, carrots and citrus fruits are all gum loving foods.
• Drink lots of water, keep hydrated
• Vitamin C supplements or vitamin C rich food
• Vitamin B, helps with new cell formation
• Chewing gums with no added sugar or color, increases salivation and maintains Ph.

It is always wise to take a dental visit every 6 months and in case any abnormality is noted with the functioning or the esthetics of the teeth and gums, a visit to your dentist will definitely leave you with a long lasting smile with healthy teeth and gums