I’m having some problems with my gums, what kind of treatment is available?

That depends on the nature of the problem; there are lots of health issues that can arise with gums, most of which can be avoided with good oral hygiene. However, there are some problems that can’t be helped, for instance, accidents resulting in dental trauma or injuries that occur following a surgical operation – no amount of brushing and flossing will help if there is a significant amount of bacteria below the gum line.

There is plenty of treatment available at your local surgery for gum problems, the first step is diagnosing the symptoms, so make an appointment with your dentist and have your teeth examined – or visit the nearest emergency clinic, if your ailment is causing you pain. Soft tissue injuries can sometimes be difficult to deal with, thanks to the millions of bacteria that gather in our mouths every day, and an adequate cleaning routine is more important than ever in these situations. Let’s take a look at some common gum complaints that dentists will see on a regular basis, along with the basic procedures for dealing with them;

Gum disease – This is caused by various bacteria breeding in hard to reach areas, and producing waste that builds up on the surface of the teeth in a sticky film, called plaque; this causes the soft tissue to become inflamed and swollen, which is often quite painful once it takes hold. Gum disease is usually the result of ineffective brushing – or no brushing at all, and can develop into the more serious problem of periodontitis, where the gums start to pull away from the teeth, leaving the delicate roots exposed.

There are several lifestyle choices that can affect the way our teeth look and function;

Good cleaning is the key to getting rid of gum disease; brush thoroughly – but not too aggressively – twice a day, for at least two minutes, and invest in anti-bacterial toothpaste and mouthwash, which kills the specific bacterium that cause the disease. Your diet can also affect the environment in your mouth, especially if you’re not a fan of brushing, as the high sugar content in unhealthy foods will break down into acid and start attacking your teeth; try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables each day, and brush after meals if you have had problems with gum disease in the past. Smoking is a bad habit on any given day, but it also starves the gums of oxygen and encourages the growth of bacteria, so throw those cigarettes away.

Furthermore, if you don’t get treatment for gum disease when you first notice the signs – which usually begin with painless bleeding when you brush – it could deteriorate to a harmful degree and it’s not going to heal on its own. It’s a good idea to maintain a regular relationship with your dentist, as they are trained to spot the very early signs of gum disease and to deal with it accordingly.

Abscesses – These painful swellings are normally the result of poor oral hygiene, and can develop at a later stage of periodontitis, when the receding gums have created a ‘periodontal pocket’, which is a small space between the gums and teeth, where bacteria can gather. Abscesses might also appear after some type of dental surgery, if a pocket has been accidentally created. To treat an abscess, your dentist will have to first drain the swelling and then clean out the pocket of skin, to make sure all the infected fluid has been removed. Unfortunately, just lancing the abscess and washing the area is no guarantee that the problem won’t return, as this is not dealing with the underlying issues, it is simply removing the symptoms. Treatment like this will make you more comfortable, but it’s important that your surgeon addresses the health concerns that are causing the abscesses to develop, which might involve prescribing antibiotics, to fight the bacteria in your system.

Large periodontal abscesses pose a more serious threat to your health, because they represent a deeper infection that may spread to your major organs and put your life at risk. If you suffer from abscesses on a regular basis, you need to be aware of the symptoms that point to a dangerous condition – don’t assume that feelings of ill health are completely unrelated to your dental problems. Signs of blood poisoning include; dizziness, nausea, and possibly confusion, as well as a high fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, make your way to the hospital as soon as you can, or the situation could become life-threatening, especially if you develop septicaemia.

Mouth ulcers – Ulcers are sometimes confused with tiny abscesses, but they are often the result of gum irritation or small wounds in the mouth, rather than bacterial infection. This type of problem is not serious, but can be quite painful, particularly if you suffer with recurring ulcers that get very sore. Soothing gel, like Bonjela, is normally enough to get rid of mouth ulcers; just apply a generous amount to the affected area and don’t eat or drink anything for a little while, to allow it to take effect. For large ulcers, you might want to speak to your GP about any medical issues that could be causing problems with your health in general.

Lacerations – Cuts and other wounds need to be dealt with promptly; otherwise bacteria have free access to the body’s circulatory system. Deep lacerations may bleed, but all you have to do is stem the flow until it begins to clot, and then speak to your dentist at the first opportunity. Large cuts may even need stitches, and it might be a good idea to buy some anti-septic mouth wash, to allow the wound to properly heal. If the laceration is very deep, you should go to the hospital and have it assessed, as it’s likely to be one of many problems that need medical attention.

For more information on how to get treatment for gum ailments, call the Pearl Dental Clinic and arrange a consultation, the helpful team members are always available to talk over the options with you, and to give advice on your personal circumstances.