Gum Diseases (Periodontology)
Gum diseases are a common and serious health problem that can lead to tooth loss, just like tooth decay.
Teeth are supported by gums, jawbones, and periodontal fibers, which help anchor the tooth to the jawbone. If only the gum tissue is inflamed, it is called Gingivitis. However, if the disease progresses, affecting other tissues and causing bone loss, it is referred to as Periodontitis (commonly known as pyorrhea).
Symptoms of Gum Diseases
Gum diseases are often difficult to detect because they do not cause pain in the early stages. The most common symptom is bleeding while brushing. Other symptoms include:
- Bad breath and unpleasant taste
- Swelling or recession of the gums
- Redness of the gums
- Teeth shifting, loosening, or abscess formation
If left untreated, gum diseases do not only result in tooth loss but can also contribute to systemic diseases or worsen existing health conditions. They have been linked to:
✔Heart disease
✔Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
✔Diabetes
✔Stroke
✔Premature birth and low birth weight
Causes of Gum Diseases
The main cause of gum diseases is poor oral hygiene, which allows millions of bacteria to accumulate on the tooth surfaces and gum line. This bacterial layer, known as dental plaque, produces harmful substances that lead to periodontal disease.
Plaque is soft and can be easily removed by brushing and flossing. However, if not cleaned, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which requires professional removal.
Treatment of Gum Diseases
The treatment of gum diseases varies based on the severity of the case.
✔Mild cases can be treated with professional cleaning (scaling)
✔Advanced cases may require surgical procedures and laser treatments
✔ In certain cases, bone grafts and regenerative materials can be used to restore lost tissue
Gum Pigmentation Treatment
Aesthetic smiles depend not only on the shape and color of the teeth but also on the appearance of the gums.
What is Gum Pigmentation?
The color of the gums is determined by melanin pigment, the same pigment responsible for skin color. Gum pigmentation occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of melanin, leading to dark discoloration. While this does not pose any health risks, the black or dark brown patches on the normally light pink gums can cause aesthetic concerns.
How is Gum Pigmentation Treated?
The most advanced and effective method for correcting this aesthetic issue is laser treatment, which removes the pigment deposits.
Compared to traditional methods involving surgical blades or rotary abrasive instruments, laser treatment offers significant advantages:
✔Less need for anesthesia
✔Shorter procedure time
✔No bleeding
✔Lower risk of infection due to the sterilizing effect of the laser
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. It is commonly caused by periodontal diseases and often progresses without noticeable pain, making early detection difficult. If left untreated, it can result in tooth loss.
