Gum Health

Gum Infection Symptoms that indicates- You need a Treatment

 Gum infection is one of the commonest problem in humans and in 90% of the cases it occurs due to bad oral hygiene, but there are many factors like medical conditions, food habit, medicine we use; which are also responsible for it.

In medical terminology Gum infection is called as Gingivitis or Periodontitis depending upon the severity of condition.

So today we will learn to recognize gum infection symptoms because 40% of people can’t recognize they have gum infections until it gets very bad.

You may like to have a mirror with you while reading this, to check the symptoms one by one.

11 Gum Infection Symptoms you must know about

1.Bleeding gums-

This is the first symptom of gum infection, people first see this kind of symptom while
brushing their teeth, person suffering from gum infection will see blood in tooth paste foam when they spit in sink or while eating hard food. Bleeding occurs from the junction of the gum and tooth, even a slight irritation of gums will induce bleeding.

2.Redness of gums-

Normal color of gum is pink but in gum infection cases redness of gums can be seen, at first the redness is around the margins of the gum but it may become diffused later on, in acute conditions you will see marked redness combined with gum bleeding. This redness may be seen around single tooth or it can be seen generalized in all the gums. This redness is sign of inflammation and goes after treatment.

3.Bluish or purple gums-

In some cases when the infection becomes chronic; the color of gum changes from red to bluish purple this is sign of venous engorgement of the blood vessels in gums whenever you seen such kind of coloration of gums it’s time to go to your doctor.


4.Bad breath- This is second most common sign of gum infection after bleeding gums, those people who
have bad breath are prone to have gum infection, bad breath signifies high level of bacterial grown in your mouth and hence a compromised oral health. Best way to test bad breath- lick your wrist and wait for some time then smell that area f your experience fowl smell then you are suffering from halitosis.

Want to know How to get rid of bad breath or Halitosis

5.Swollen and spongy gums-

This is the point when patients really start to notice the problem. Gums become swollen and puffy, its surface loses stippling and becomes smooth, when swelling enlarges then ulceration may develop over them, ulceration are due to mechanical trauma while eating. Swelling may be over one tooth or it may be generalized.



6.Recession of gums-

This symptom indicates that gum infection is in the advanced state of its development, in this symptom the gums leave it natural position and move down toward bone this may expose the roots and may form gaps between the teeth. This occurs due to loss of underlying supporting bone. Some time it may be associated with single tooth and some time it is generalized.


7.Bad taste in mouth- advanced gum infection causes pocket formation at the junction of the tooth and gum, these deep pockets harbor bacteria and debris these pockets may result in exudates formation and these exudates result in bad taste.

8.Sensitivity- This gum infection symptom indicates serious problem. Gum recession will results in exposure of root surface which intern results in sensitivity, tooth will look longer then it usually are and patient may feel sharp pain like feeling while having cold stuffs.

9.Tenderness & pain- In advanced stage of gum infection pain can be experienced by the patient this pain can be from gums and some time the tooth associated with the infected gums will become symptomatic and it will become painful.

10.Ulcerated gums- If ulcers can be seen on the gums that means acute form of gum infection. If gum ulceration is generalized then it indicates some serious oral disease, get it checked.

11.Hyper salivation or pasty saliva- As your gum infection get established for long time it may result in increased salivary flow this is a usual sign of infection in mouth, in chronic cases saliva becomes pasty.

Conclusion: A Research by National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland says that there is lack of awareness of Gum infection symptoms in patients and there is lack of interest in assessment of the problem by the general dentist. This problem can only be prevented and cured with the help of individual and professional effort.

 

Oral Surgery

What is Marsupialisation Or Partsch Operation - Indication, Advantages, Procedure 

Marsupialisation or Partsch operation is a conservative surgical procedure for management of cysts in oral cavity and other parts of the body.

A cyst is a sac like pathology which can develop in any part of the human body. When a cyst grows to such a big extent that complete removal of the cyst will result in permanent structural and functional loss then marsupialisation is advised.

Procedure in layman terms- The roof of the cyst is removed and the cavity is evacuated the cyst lining may be left intact at that movement but cystic contents are removed and the cyst is left open. Edges or the border of the cyst are stitched with the normal outer epithelium.

This technique relives the intra cystic pressure and reduces size of the cyst and promotes healing. This procedure also reduces the chances of the reccurrency.

After some time when there is enough healing and cyst have been reduced in size then cystic lining can be removed or any kind of cyst removal surgery can be performed, following which the cyst is closed.    

Partsch was the person who invented this technique hence the name Partsch operation is applied.

Indications for Marsupialisation-

When cyst cavity is so big that complete removal of cyst will result in excessive structure loss.

• When cyst is in proximity with vital structure which will get harm if complete cyst is removed.
• When cyst have tendency of high recurrence.

• Those cyst which have character of high volume intra cystic liquid production.

• Compromised cases which does not advocate for complete removal of the cyst.

• Usually used in bartholin cyst. and large dentigerous cyst.

Advantages-

• Conservative operation so it will conserve soft tissue and bone structure.

• Success rate is high.

• chances to damage to adjacent vital structures is reduced.

 

Alternative Treatments Root canal

Alternative Root Canal Treatments
Treating the Infected Tooth Nerve Instead of Removing It--Eliminating the Traditional "Root Canal"

Just because a tooth nerve is infected and causing a patient pain, doesn't mean that the nerve needs to be drilled out and a root canal procedure needs to be done. As long as there is still viable nerve or pulp tissue in the nerve chamber, the infection can be removed with a laser, and the tissue can be encouraged to re-grow, and replace the removed dead and infected tissue using biocompatible, healing compounds. This procedure, known as the Laser Nerve Treatment, keeps the tooth alive and its blood and lymphatic circulation intact, which is important for the tissue surrounding the tooth and for providing continued immunity.
In this procedure, the tooth root is accessed using a high-speed, electronic drill that minimizes shock and trauma to the tooth. The infected, necrotic tissue is removed using a laser, the entire area is disinfected with a laser, then a nutrient-rich, biocompatible material is placed into the nerve/root chamber that will encourage the remaining, healthy nerve/pulp tissue to re-grow and replace the missing tissue. The tooth is then sealed with a biocompatible filling material.
This treatment may restore the tooth to full health, vitality and strength, eliminate the need for a crown, and is a much heathier and immunity-preserving therapy than the standard root canal.
But what if the tooth nerve is completely dead and fully infected, and needs to be removed from the root/nerve chamber?

Even then, there is a better, healthier alternative root canal treatment, called Root Calcification Therapy. The goal of this therapy is not just restoring the tooth or the root; it also involves trying to restore the health of the immune membrane that lines the tooth. We also have to restore health to the bone and get rid of any disease conditions within it, then restore the blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to the bone tissues so that the cells of the bone can survive.
This Root Calcification Therapy is in some ways similar to standard root canal therapy, with some notable exceptions:
First, after all of the dead infected tissue is removed, the nerve/root chamber is cleaned out and treated with ozonated water and other biocompatibles, and disinfected with a laser, providing much greater sterilization that standard chemicals. One reason the laser works better is that the disinfecting laser light is reflected off of all surfaces in the nerve/root chamber, so that no pathogens can hide from it. After the chamber is completeley cleaned and disinfected, the root tips are sealed with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), which is a biocompatible material that simulates the way live tooth tissue would act, thus helping to regenerate the circulation, tissues, immune membrane and bone surrounding the tooth. The remainder of the nerve/root chamber is filled with a calcium oxide-based material that mimics natural tooth calcification, releasing calcium into the dentin tubules, just as what normally happens throughout the life of a healthy tooth In this way, the tooth "simulates" a healthy, intact tooth so that the tissue and immune membrane around it remains viable.
alternative root canal treatment
Finally, an inlay or onlay is perfectly fitted to the missing tooth tissue, then laser-bonded to the tooth so that it is restored to its original strength and appearance.

Everything about these alternative root canal treatments is geared to preserve the mouth's and the body's immune systems, and to reduce or eliminate the side-effects and/or failures associated with the standard materials and techniques which are commonly used.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries). It occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
See pictures of a tooth and tooth decay .
You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.

What causes tooth decay?

The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

What are the symptoms?

Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or an infected tooth. When this occurs, a toothache is the most common symptom.

How is tooth decay diagnosed?

Your dentist diagnoses tooth decay by:

• Asking questions about your past dental and medical problems and care.
• Examining your teeth, using a pointed tool and a small mirror.
• Taking X-rays of your teeth and mouth.

How is it treated?

Treatment for tooth decay depends on how bad it is. You may be able to reverse slight tooth decay by using fluoride. To fix cavities caused by mild tooth decay, your dentist will fill the cavities with another substance (fillings). For more severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. In extreme cases, your dentist may have to remove the tooth.

Benefits of Good Dental Care

Regular visits to the dentist are important if you are going to keep your teeth in good shape. Unfortunately the cost of seeing the dentist keeps a lot of people away. The best way to get around this problem is to have a good dental plan.
The main benefit of a good dental plan is that you will be able to get the dental care that you need without having to pay for it out of your own pocket. The cost of seeing a dentist is pretty steep and this would be a problem for a lot of people if they didn't have a dental plan to help pay for it. In most cases your dental plan will require you to pay a small amount for each visit out of your own pocket and then will cover the rest of the cost.
There are a lot of different dental plans available so you are going to want to make sure that you get one that suits your needs. At a minimum all dental plans should cover basic maintenance and necessary procedures. This would be things like regular checkups and cleanings as well as the cost of things like filling cavities. If you are young and your teeth are in good condition this is probably all that you need. However if you have dental problems or if you are older you are probably going to want a plan that covers more things like dentures.
There are a lot of other benefits that you may want to look for when you are choosing a dental plan depending on what you need coverage for. Over the last few years cosmetic dentistry has become much more widely used as people are really starting to worry about what their teeth look like. A number of dental plans will now cover things like this. Obviously this will add to the cost considerably so you will need to determine if you will actually be using the services enough to justify the expense.
A couple of things that you are going to want to think about when you are choosing a dental plan are whether or not your dentist accepts the plan and how much it will cost you out of your own pocket. Most dental plans are only accepted by a limited number of dentists so you will either need to choose a plan that your dentist accepts or find a new dentist. As for the amount that you pay out of pocket, this will largely depend on how much dental care. If you have teeth that are in good shape and all you need is regular checkups then you should choose a plan with a high deductible. However if you need regular dental care you will want to go with the lower deductible.

Basic Dental Care

What is basic dental care?

Basic dental care involves brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist and/or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating a mouth-healthy diet, which means foods high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and dairy products.
Why is basic dental care important?

Practicing basic dental care:

    Prevents tooth decay.
    Prevents gum (periodontal) disease camera, which can damage gum tissue and the bones camera that support teeth camera, and in the long term can lead to the loss of teeth.
    Shortens time with the dentist and dental hygienist, and makes the trip more pleasant.
    Saves money. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you can reduce the need for fillings and other costly procedures.
    Helps prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing rid your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
    Helps keep teeth white by preventing staining from food, drinks, and tobacco.
    Improves overall health.
    Makes it possible for your teeth to last a lifetime.

Are there ways to avoid dental problems?

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires good nutrition and regular brushing and flossing.

    Brush your teeth twice a day-in the morning and before bed-and floss once a day. This removes plaque, which can lead to damaged teeth, gums, and surrounding bone.
    Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Ask your dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque. Look for toothpastes that have been approved by the American Dental Association.
    Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque grow.
    Avoid using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) also may cause gum disease as well as other health problems.1
    Practice tongue cleaning. You can use a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush, stroking in a back-to-front direction. Tongue cleaning is particularly important for people who smoke or whose tongues are coated or deeply grooved.
    Schedule regular trips to the dentist based on how often you need exams and cleaning.

Sensitive Teeth

What causes sensitive teeth?

Toothbrush and/or toothpaste damage may be the most frequent cause of sensitive teeth. By brushing too hard and/or using abrasive toothpaste, you may be removing tooth structure at the necks of your teeth.
This can result in pain, especially to cold drinks, food, and air, but also to physical pressure, hot, sweet and sour.
The reason for the pain is exposed dentine – the inner substance of the tooth, which is covered by enamel. The enamel can get quite thin, especially where the tooth meets the root (at the gumline). The root is covered by a substance called cementum, which is easily worn away. Dentine contains little tunnels (tubules) that link to the nerves on the inside of the tooth, and when dentine is exposed, these nerves are easily stimulated, resulting in pain.
Other things which can cause sensitive teeth include:

• acid erosion,
• gum recession,
• gum disease,
• tooth grinding,
• tooth bleaching, and
• a cracked tooth or filling.

What can I do about sensitive teeth?

To prevent further damage, brush your teeth gently as described on our toothbrush abrasion page and avoid abrasive toothpaste or use a non-alcohol mouthwash to wet your toothbrush instead.