Blog Posts
Dt. Odman Ertekin
February 3, 2025
Healthy gums are typically pink, matte, and have a smooth tissue surface that ends where it meets the tooth.
A healthy gum should not bleed when brushing. Periodontal tissues can become infected due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth.
It is impossible to completely prevent plaque around the teeth. Although plaque is harmless during the first few hours, it eventually thickens, and the bacteria produce toxic substances that lead to inflammation. Most periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions that often progress without noticeable symptoms, such as pain, until they reach advanced stages.
Periodontal diseases can go unnoticed for many years and may progress silently, resulting in tooth loss. Gum bleeding is often the first and only noticeable symptom of periodontal disease.
Smoking: Smoking is a well-known cause of numerous diseases, including cancer and heart disease. It also significantly contributes to the development of gum diseases.
Medications: Medications like birth control pills, anti-depressants, and heart medications can affect your oral health. If you are using any of these medications, it’s important to inform your dentist and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Stress: Stress is a known risk factor for conditions like hypertension and cancer and can also contribute to gum disease. Research has shown that stress impairs the body’s ability to fight infections, including periodontal diseases.
Bruxism: Teeth grinding can damage periodontal tissue by reducing the force between the tooth and gum. Bruxism is a common cause of gum recession. Using a night guard can help prevent this.
Poor Diet: A poor diet weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections, including gum diseases.
Diabetes: Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for gum infections. Regular oral checkups with a gum specialist are essential for maintaining good oral health.
Dental Stone: Tartar is a hard layer formed by the calcification of microbial plaque. Once plaque becomes calcified, the bacteria lose their ability to produce disease-causing toxins. Tartar creates an environment where new plaque can accumulate. Since plaque on tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush, it requires professional cleaning.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where inflammation is confined to the gums. The gums become red, swollen, and may bleed, especially during brushing. At this stage, improving oral hygiene may be enough to reverse the condition. For more advanced gingivitis, treatment by a professional is necessary, usually involving cleaning the teeth surfaces over two or more sessions.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis occurs when chronic inflammation spreads from the gums to the bone, leading to the destruction of both soft and hard tissue. The gum line deepens, and a “pocket” forms around the tooth, providing a suitable environment for bacterial growth. Periodontitis can remain undetected for many years and may progress slowly. It can spread through the lymph and blood, becoming a focus of infection that affects other parts of the body. Symptoms include bad breath, occasional bleeding from the gums, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and movement between teeth. In advanced stages, abscesses can form, and teeth may become loose. Tooth extraction is often required in severe cases.
Curettage: Curettage is the process of cleaning tartar and plaque from the root surfaces using special curettes. This procedure removes the buildup, revealing healthy root surfaces and allowing the gum to reattach to the root.
Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty: In cases of gingival overgrowth due to inflammation, medications, or hereditary factors, a dentist may perform a gingivectomy. This procedure involves removing excess gum tissue around the pocket between the tooth and gum. Afterward, gingivoplasty may be performed to restore normal gum appearance and symmetry.
Pink Aesthetics: This procedure involves lengthening the parts of the teeth above the gum line. It is commonly used when decay extends below the gum level or when the teeth are too short. Extending the gum line towards the root ensures better treatment outcomes and long-term gum health.
Gum Contouring: Also known as pink aesthetics, gum contouring corrects asymmetries in the gums by reshaping them. It is useful for patients who have excessive gum display while smiling, dark red gums, gum discoloration, or uneven gum levels. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal pain. Recovery typically takes 10-14 days.
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