Gum Diseases (Periodontology): Healthy Gums, Healthy Teeth
Gum diseases (periodontal diseases) can become a systemic problem affecting not only the mouth but the entire body. Scientific research reveals a significant link between untreated periodontitis and the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and premature birth. At Prodenta Dental Clinic in Ataşehir, periodontology specialists offer comprehensive treatment and preventive practices to maintain optimal gum health.
What Makes Gums Healthy?
Healthy gums are light pink, matte, have a texture resembling an orange peel, end sharply at the tooth-gum junction, and do not bleed when brushing. This structure, called the periodontal sulcus, is 1–3 mm deep in healthy individuals, but in diseased individuals, this deep pocket provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
Causes and Development of Gum Disease
The primary cause of gum disease is microbial bacterial plaque, which adheres tightly to the teeth. One milligram of plaque contains 200–500 million bacteria. If not regularly cleaned, it calcifies and turns into tartar; tartar, in turn, creates a breeding ground for new plaque accumulation. This vicious cycle leads to progressively deeper gum pockets and bone loss.
What does bleeding gums indicate?
Gum bleeding during brushing or flossing is a sign of early-stage inflammation (gingivitis). The severity of bleeding is directly proportional to the degree of inflammation. Because it is chronic and painless, it tends to progress unnoticed for years. In delayed cases, bone loss and tooth loss may occur.
Classification of Gum Diseases
Gingivitis (gum inflammation): Limited to the gum level, no bone loss; completely reversible with early treatment.
Periodontitis: An advanced stage accompanied by bone and connective tissue loss; chronic and aggressive forms exist.
What is Dental Tartar (Plastic Calculus) and How Can It Be Prevented?
Tartar forms when uncleaned plaque calcifies and can only be removed by a dentist using ultrasonic instruments. Tartar buildup can be prevented with effective brushing twice a day, regular flossing, and a professional tartar removal (prophylaxis) session every six months.
Periodontology Treatment Methods
Dental scaling and root planing
Local and systemic antibiotic treatment
Surgical periodontal treatment (flap operation)
Bone grafting and tissue regeneration (in advanced cases)
Laser-assisted periodontal treatment
Tips for Maintaining Gum Health
Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night, for 2 minutes using the correct technique.
Use dental floss or an interdental brush once a day.
Don't neglect your dental scaling and check-ups every 6 months.
Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for periodontal disease; quitting increases the success of treatment.
For gum bleeding or gum disease complaints in Ataşehir, get examined at Prodenta Dental Clinic.
