Periodontology (Gum Diseases)

Periodontology refers to the parts of the gums that surround the teeth and bones, which are located inside the jawbone and appear pink from the outside. In other words, they are the "bed sheets" of our teeth. If we don't take good care of our gums and neglect them, this area will become diseased and our teeth and jawbone will no longer be protected. That is why we need to protect our gums.

How can we protect our gums?

It is important to clean your gums properly. If teeth are not cleaned, food particles build up on the teeth and initially form a thin layer on the gums called plaque. Over time, this plaque combines with components in saliva to form tartar in the mouth. This tartar gradually causes tooth decay and erosion of the gums and surrounding jawbone, leading to loosening and loss of apparently healthy teeth. If you don't want to lose your teeth quickly, it's important to brush your teeth twice a day to remove this plaque and tartar from your mouth and teeth. The best protection for healthy gums and teeth is to brush your teeth.

If teeth are neglected and not brushed properly, over time bacteria from food particles will build up around the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. The first sign of inflamed and unhealthy gums is bleeding when brushing your teeth. If you experience bleeding while brushing your teeth, it is time to see your dentist. You should see a dentist immediately. Treating simple bleeding, which is the early stage of gum disease, is simple, easy and inexpensive. If you have your teeth cleaned by a dentist every six months, you will be taking preventative measures to treat any gum disease that does occur and to prevent bigger and more expensive problems from developing. However, if the problem is not treated and the necessary care is not taken, the problem will get worse, gum bleeding will increase, and it will progress to the stage of inflammation and bone loss, which ultimately leads to tooth loss in the long term. If your teeth and gums are healthy, your gums will not bleed when you brush your teeth. The visible appearance of healthy gums is a light pink colour in the shape of an orange peel. The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque. The treatment of gum disease, which is based on this bacterial plaque, is easily treated by removing it. To protect your gums and teeth and prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day. Before going to bed at night, it is important to brush your teeth to prevent this damage as saliva production decreases during sleep. To prevent this, you need to brush your teeth before going to bed. This will keep your teeth free of decay and prevent the development of possible gum disease.

How do I know if I have gum disease? What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of gum disease is bleeding. Any bleeding in your gums indicates a gum problem and we recommend that you see a dentist as soon as possible. The main cause of all gum bleeding is plaque and tartar build-up on the gums.

How do tartar and plaque form on the teeth and gums? Do they have any harmful effects?

Bacteria naturally present in the mouth combine with food particles to form a layer called plaque on the teeth and gums. If this plaque is not removed, it hardens and changes colour over time, forming tartar or calculus. Tartar and tartar build-up are harmful to the gums. The formation of these deposits not only causes an aesthetically unpleasant appearance, but also damages tooth enamel and leads to tooth decay. Dental plaque is formed by the combination of the food we eat and the bacteria in the oral environment, and if these plaques are not cleaned, they form tartar. Over time, these tartar build-up causes several problems. First they cause gum bleeding and then they lead to tooth loss. It is important to remove these tartar to maintain good dental health. To remove tartar, it is necessary to brush your teeth twice a day. It is important to make sure that your teeth are clean before you go to bed. Saliva production decreases during sleep, which increases the risk of gum and tooth decay. It is important to avoid sugary snacks. Not only does sugar contribute to the formation of the plaque that covers your teeth, but it also provides food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Removing this plaque is the main way to prevent tooth decay and keep your gums healthy.

How can I keep my gums healthy? What should I do?

We know that bacteria are the main cause of gum disease. Plaque, which forms when teeth are not brushed, combines with saliva and hardens to form tartar. If these tartar build-ups are not removed from the oral environment, they eventually affect the bones and cause bone loss. There is a simple way to prevent gum inflammation and decay. Removing these potential bacterial plaques from the oral cavity effectively prevents gum disease and tooth decay. This is why it is important to brush your teeth properly and for dental professionals to take preventative measures. Developing good tooth brushing habits from a young age can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Are there other factors that contribute to the development and progression of gum disease?

Smoking is one of the most important factors. The chemicals in cigarettes and their ulcerative nature directly affect the gums of smokers over time. Hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause can cause changes in gum tissue. More careful brushing and flossing should be practised during these periods. Several systemic diseases directly affect the gums. The most important of these is diabetes. Dry mouth and fluctuating blood sugar levels cause serious damage to the gums and surrounding bone. In such cases, care should be taken when placing implants to replace lost teeth. Antidepressants, certain medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can also cause serious gum problems.

How can I treat gum disease?

Early diagnosis of gum disease is in your hands. Periodontal disease is difficult to detect in people who see their dentist regularly or who have minimal bleeding. Bleeding when brushing your teeth is a sign of simple gum disease, which is easy and inexpensive to treat. The problem can be resolved with a simple scaling and tartar removal. In more advanced cases, when periodontal pockets form, it is necessary to clean them. In cases where such cleaning is required, surgical removal of inflammatory tissue is necessary, and in cases of bone loss, bone grafting may be required. When the gums recede for various reasons, it also causes significant aesthetic problems. In such cases, surgery can be used to restore the gums to their original position. To prevent such diseases and protect your teeth, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and to visit your dentist every six months.

Here are the top ten unforgettable recommendations of Yenidiş Dental and Oral Health Centre for the health of your gums:

1. Brush your teeth regularly and correctly.

   - Please brush your teeth as your parents have been telling you since childhood. Teaching children to brush their teeth from an early age is the most important and first step in oral hygiene. To prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth strong, it is important to brush your teeth regularly and follow the brushing rules by brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

2. Use dental floss as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

Daily use of dental floss is a recommended but often overlooked cleaning method by dentists. Daily flossing takes very little time, but it takes time to get into the habit. When dental floss is used, interproximal decay on the teeth is reduced and both the spaces between the teeth and the gums are kept clean. If there are food particles stuck between the teeth, they can be removed. Properly cleaning these interproximal areas and maintaining oral hygiene is beneficial for your gums and teeth.

3. Use a fluoride tooth rinse for your daily oral hygiene.

Using a mouthwash is a routine and simple addition to a complete daily oral hygiene routine. You can choose fluoride mouthwashes to clean your teeth and keep your gums stronger and healthier at the same time. By reading the instructions carefully, you can gargle your mouth. Mouthwashes can also help prevent bad breath. This will keep your breath fresh and pleasant.

4. Increase your calcium intake.

The amount of calcium in your body ensures that your bones and teeth are stronger. Eating a balanced and adequate amount of calcium-rich foods will protect you from possible bone loss and help strengthen your teeth. If you have a calcium deficiency, your teeth may become more sensitive. To prevent this, you can regularly consume calcium-rich milk and dairy products to maintain the calcium balance in your body. If you are on a vegetarian diet, you can take calcium supplements after consulting your doctor.

5. Reduce smoking

We all know that smoking and nicotine can damage the lungs. However, people tend to ignore the negative effects of smoking on gums and teeth. Smoking directly affects the colour of your teeth and the health of your gums, eventually leading to tooth loss. Regular smoking increases the risk of tooth loss. Although quitting smoking is a challenge, many people have succeeded. If you stop smoking, your gums will be healthier and your teeth will be stronger and more resistant. If you smoke, remember to brush regularly and visit your dentist regularly.

6. Reduce your coffee consumption.

Drinking too much coffee can stain your teeth. Over time, the parts of your teeth that cannot be reached by brushing can develop a bad appearance. In addition, the acid in coffee can damage your teeth. Excessive coffee consumption can cause irreversible tooth discolouration. It is important to limit your coffee consumption and to brush regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is especially important for children to brush their teeth after drinking coffee and to protect their teeth with fluoride under the supervision of a dentist.

7. Reduce your consumption of fizzy drinks.

Carbonated drinks such as cola and soda can damage your tooth enamel if you drink them in excess. These acids erode your teeth and there is no turning back once the damage has started. These acidic drinks can cause white spots on your teeth. Acid erosion causes tooth sensitivity and tooth decay. To avoid this, limit your consumption of fizzy drinks. Check your diet and always brush your teeth after drinking fizzy drinks. This is especially important for children to protect their teeth from fizzy drinks. Under the supervision of a dentist, brush your teeth and protect them with fluoride.

8. Eat a balanced diet.

 A balanced diet starts with a healthy body and mouth. Getting all the nutrients you need in a balanced way will help protect your gums and teeth. In their quest for a healthy diet, many people damage their teeth and gums by consuming foods that appear healthy but are actually harmful. Concentrated fruit juices contain high levels of acid and harmful sugars that are bad for your gums and teeth. Instead, choose natural fruit and vegetables, as natural fibre is good for your teeth and gums.

9. Be physically active, exercise.

In addition to a healthy diet, physical activity is important for your overall health, including oral health. Regular exercise and physical activity increase blood circulation throughout your body, including your gums. Increased circulation helps keep your gums healthy. Physical activity also helps to reduce stress, and stress can affect your oral health.

10. Regular dental check-ups.

 Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining gum health. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your gums and teeth, detect early signs of gum disease, and provide appropriate treatment. Professional cleanings can remove tartar and plaque build-up that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. In addition, your dentist can provide personalised advice and recommendations for maintaining healthy gums based on your specific oral health needs.

Remember that maintaining healthy gums requires consistent effort and attention to oral hygiene practices. By following these recommendations and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help protect your gums and keep your teeth strong and healthy.