Understanding Gum Health and Gum Treatments
Hello, my name is Dr. Roman of Pacific Park Family Dental, and today we're going to be discussing healthy gums.
What are the signs of unhealthy gums?
There are a few different things that I look at to ensure gums are healthy, and I tell patients what to watch for so they can self-diagnose at home. If you are brushing your teeth and see blood in the sink when you spit out, there's something going on with your gums. If you are flossing and bleed quite heavily—not just a little bit of pink when you spit out your toothpaste, but streams of blood—you likely have a gum problem. If you have an unpleasant odor coming from your mouth when you breathe or talk, and people step back or try to distance themselves, you may have unhealthy gums.
Also, when inspecting your teeth, you should see one color of tooth and pink gum underneath. If you see multiple buildup layers of different colors, such as milky yellow, gray, or almost black, there's something happening with those gums.
What problems can unhealthy gums lead to?
Unhealthy gums can lead to numerous problems. Think about it this way: a tooth sitting in a gum is essentially a bone sticking out of your skin. In any other part of your body, that would be inappropriate or considered an open fracture requiring a hospital visit. The mouth is the only place this is okay. When the gum is inflamed and bleeds, it creates an open wound, allowing bacteria to enter and create an infection. This is why, when there's a gum problem, pressing on the gum can reveal pus coming out from underneath. It's crucial to address this because the mouth is conveniently located near the brain, and we need to ensure there is no infection circulating in this part of the head.
How do I stop my gums from receding?
Several factors contribute to receding gums. Overbrushing can cause gums to recede. If you get a cut on your arm and pick at it repeatedly, it will eventually scar. Similarly, if you overbrush your gums with a hard toothbrush, they will shrink and recede.
Another common cause of receding gums is skipping flossing. Poor hygiene allows bacteria to aggravate the gum, causing it to swell. Once hygiene is reinstated, the gum deflates, but it may deflate past its original point, leading to recession. This cycle of inflammation and recession is another way gums can recede.
Deep cleaning, scaling, root planing, or gum grafting: which approach will a dentist recommend and how long will it take to recover?
If there's minimal recession and cleaning is sufficient, scaling or gum grafting may not be necessary. In cases where cleaning under the gum is required, root planing is performed to smooth the roots of the teeth, preventing further irritation. This involves an initial cleaning and follow-up cleanings. Gum grafts are needed when there's significant gum loss, allowing food and calculus to accumulate faster.
Healing from a gum graft takes six to eight weeks, while scaling and root planing results can be seen in two to four weeks. Patients often notice immediate improvements in odor and bleeding after cleaning, with gums transforming within two weeks.
How will my dentist ensure that I don't experience pain during treatment?
We monitor patients' responses during procedures. If a patient experiences pain, asks us to stop, or appears tense, we pause and numb the area causing discomfort. Once numb, there are no issues completing the treatment.
What should I do to support recovery after a restorative gum treatment?
The most important thing is to floss regularly and follow up with professional cleanings. If your hygienist recommends visits every three months, adhere to that schedule. Regular cleanings not only maintain oral health but also provide opportunities for coaching on home care. This guidance helps improve self-care, potentially reducing visit frequency over time.
When should I schedule an appointment for a dentist to examine my gums?
Schedule an appointment whenever you feel the need for a cleaning. Gums are the most tender part of your mouth, and regular care is essential. We recommend check-ups every six months to ensure healthy gums and teeth.
If you live in or near Vancouver, WA, and are looking for dental care, contact us at (360) 803-3546 to set an appointment. Our staff would love to talk with you!