Gum disease is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red and bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums may recede, bone may be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out.

Gum diseases

Gum disease is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red and bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums may recede, bone may be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Gum diseases are seen in adulthood rather than childhood due to risk factors. Gum diseases, which require proper care and can be treated in several stages, are a serious threat to oral and dental health. It should be checked by a dentist, preferably a periodontist, and treated appropriately.

What causes gum disease? 

In people who do not have proper oral and dental health, especially if there are risk factors such as smoking, bacteria in the mouth infect the tissue surrounding the tooth and cause inflammation around the tooth, causing periodontal disease. After a while, the bacteria form a film called plaque on the teeth, which eventually turns into tartar, also called tartar. Tartar formation can spread below the gum line, making it difficult to clean the teeth. After this period, brushing or flossing will not be enough to remove tartar. Tartar needs to be properly removed by a dentist or periodontist.


What are the symptoms of gum disease? 

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fit tightly around the teeth.

Common symptoms of gum disease are:

  • Swollen or puffy gums,
  • Bright red, dark red or purplish gums
  • Gums that feel sensitive when touched,
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Pink toothbrush after brushing,
  • Spitting up blood while brushing or flossing your teeth
  • Bad breath,
  • Pus between your teeth and gums,
  • Loose teeth or tooth loss
  • painful chewing,
  • New spaces that develop between your teeth,
  • Gums that pull away from your teeth, making your gums appear longer than normal
  • Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

What are the risk factors for gum disease? 

  • To smoke
  • Diabetes
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Stress
  • Genetic
  • Crooked teeth,
  • Underlying immunodeficiencies – eg, AIDS,
  • Fillings that have become defective,
  • Taking medications that cause dry mouth
  • Bridges that no longer fit properly,
  • Female hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives.



 What can I do to prevent gum disease at home? 

Things to do to prevent gingival diseases from starting are as follows:

 Do not neglect oral and dental cleaning, brush your teeth regularly and correctly, along with your gums and tongue.

Have regular dental check-ups twice a year.

Use dental floss at least once a day If flossing is to be done once a day, it is recommended to do it after dinner or before going to bed.

Pay attention to your diet. Milk and dairy products rich in calcium and phosphorus should be consumed. Chewing gum increases saliva secretion and can be effective in cleaning the mouth. If chewing gum is to be chewed, it should be chewed for no more than 15 minutes after meals and sugar-free gum should be preferred.

Pay special attention to the cleaning of structures such as intraoral prostheses and bridges and have them checked.

Do not snack constantly, stay away from sugary foods. It becomes difficult to maintain an uninterrupted oral hygiene if something is constantly snacked on. Sugary, starchy foods, cola and acidic beverages increase the risk of tooth decay as they increase the acidity in the mouth.

Do not bite hard objects with your teeth, do not eat extremely cold or hot foods. Hard foods cause tooth enamel cracks and tooth decay. Similarly, extremely cold and extremely hot foods or drinks damage teeth and oral tissues. Eating hot and cold foods one after the other is even more harmful. Sudden temperature change can cause cracks in tooth enamel.



Stay away from cigarettes. Cigarette smoke adversely affects the health of the oral tissues and gums it comes into contact with, and increases the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Non-drug traditional methods that can be used to prevent gum disease at home: 

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): It is effective in the treatment of gingivitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can be used not only during the treatment of gum diseases, but also for preventive purposes to prevent these diseases. Put 2-3 teaspoons of chamomile in 250 ml of hot water and wait for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink after meals or use as a mouthwash.

Echinacea (Echinacea): It is used to protect the gums due to its antibacterial and immune system strengthening properties.

Tea (Camellia sinensis): It prevents the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gingivitis from settling in the mouth.

Licorice (Glycyrrluza glabra): It is a natural sweetener. It does not cause tooth decay or gum inflammation. It is also effective in controlling and controlling gingivitis and plaque formation. However, if used for a long time or in large amounts, it can cause headache, drowsiness, sodium and water retention in the body, excessive potassium loss and high blood pressure.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): It is considered to significantly reduce the formation of plaque on the teeth, thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): It is used to combat bacteria that cause gingivitis due to its antibacterial properties. You can drink the tea obtained by adding 2 teaspoons of dried mint to 250 ml of hot water or rinse your mouth. Instead of chewing mint gum or eating mints, it is much more effective and better to chew on fresh mint leaves.

Watercress (Nasturtium offidnale): It has been used for many years in China for the treatment of gingivitis.

Teatree (Melaleuca): Teatree oil is a powerful antiseptic. It is used for the treatment of gingivitis and wounds in the mouth. It is used as a mouthwash by adding a few drops of teatree oil to a glass of water. It cannot be swallowed.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea): Due to its richness in magnesium and vitamin C, coriander, cowpea, dandelion, licorice root, lettuce, poppy seed, spinach, nettle leaves and green beans are used to treat gum diseases.



Sage (Salvia officinalis): Due to its antiseptic properties, it has been used in Europe for a while to stop bleeding in the gums. However, if taken in high doses, it can cause spasms.

What happens if gum disease is not treated? 

If gum diseases are not treated properly, it can cause loosening of the teeth and tooth loss. In the presence of infection, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through the gum tissue and affect other parts of the body, manifested by problems controlling blood sugar in respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease or diabetes. It can even lead to septicemia.

When should I go to the dentist? 

Home remedies or traditional treatments are for temporary relief. If tartar has formed, you cannot dissolve it at home. You should follow the schedule recommended by your dentist for regular checkups. If you notice any signs of gum disease (bleeding while brushing, swelling of the gums, redness, pain, shrinkage of the gums, loosening of the teeth, bad breath, etc.), consult your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing the damage from gum disease.

  • Very painful and swollen gums
  • Loosening or falling out of teeth
  • ulcers or red patches in your mouth,
  • If you have a lump in your mouth or lip

IT IS A SITUATION THAT NEEDS URGENTLY REMEDY.

How will the dentist treat my gum disease? 

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums. He or she may order an X-ray to check your teeth and jawbone  . According to your examination and examination results, you will have an idea about your gum disease. If necessary, he or she can refer you to a periodontologist.

How gum disease is treated depends on how severe your disease is.

In the early stages, no intervention may be needed. Your dentist can advise you on brushing techniques and your standard of living. If you are a smoker, he advises you to quit. Cleans your teeth if needed.

If your gum disease has passed the early stage, more different treatment options are required. First of all, if there is an infection, antibiotics are prescribed. Your gums and tartar are cleaned. Tartar cleaning is done firstly as superficial and then as deep cleaning. In some cases, more serious operations on your gums may be required. Some of your teeth may even be extracted if needed.

How to prevent gum disease? 

The best way to prevent gum disease is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

To do this:

  • On average, have regular dental check-ups every six months. If possible, continue your dental checkups with the same dentist.
  • Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugary foods taken especially in the evening will leave residue on the teeth. If these residues are not cleaned, it will cause tooth decay over time. It is recommended to consume sugary foods only at meal times, occasionally and in small amounts.
  • Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended to brush the gums and tongue while brushing the teeth.
  • Change your toothbrush regularly.
  • Clean between your teeth daily using floss or an interdental brush to remove food, debris and plaque.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking will both cause cosmetic problems due to yellowing of the teeth and worsen dental problems. Smoking after dental interventions will prolong bleeding times.

 


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