Gum Diseases and Treatment
Gum diseases cover a wide range of conditions, from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to severe infections that cause the alveolar bone surrounding the tooth root to become inflamed and eroded (periodontitis). With these diseases, the gums swell and bleed, tooth necks become exposed as the gums recede, teeth may shift position, and teeth may become loose and be lost.
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The scope, approach and highlighted services of the department.
Causes of Gum Diseases
The primary cause of gum diseases is the deposits called microbial dental plaque, which accumulate on every surface of the teeth and between them and contain many types of bacteria. If this plaque is not cleaned, the harmful substances produced by the bacteria in the plaque cause gum diseases and tooth decay. Since microbial dental plaque is the same color as the tooth, it is very difficult to detect with the naked eye. This plaque is soft and is easily removed by brushing the teeth and using dental floss. If plaque is not removed, it hardens over a process that varies from person to person and turns into “dental calculus” (tartar). The rough structure of dental calculus allows more plaque to accumulate more easily, which speeds up the progression of inflammation.
Treatment of Gum Diseases
The dentist removes dental calculus and plaque around the dental tissues using special instruments. The first step of treatment is completed when the patient cleans the teeth using a toothbrush, dental floss and interdental brush. Surgical procedures performed under local anesthesia to treat enlarged gums, receded gums, pockets (cavities) formed due to the erosion of the alveolar bone, and bone erosions, and in which auxiliary biomaterials (membrane, bone graft) are used when the aim is to regenerate lost tissues, are called periodontal surgeries. Follow-up checks are required at 3-6 month intervals after the procedures.
The primary cause of gum diseases is the deposits called microbial dental plaque, which accumulate on every surface of the teeth and between them and contain many types of bacteria. If this plaque is not cleaned, the harmful substances produced by the bacteria in the plaque cause gum diseases and tooth decay. Since microbial dental plaque is the same color as the tooth, it is very difficult to detect with the naked eye. This plaque is soft and is easily removed by brushing the teeth and using dental floss. If plaque is not removed, it hardens over a process that varies from person to person and turns into “dental calculus” (tartar). The rough structure of dental calculus allows more plaque to accumulate more easily, which speeds up the progression of inflammation.
Author
Web and Medical Editorial BoardReviewed by a specialist
Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Hilmi AksoyInterventional RadiologyReview date: 02 November 2026Contact
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The Hisar Hospital Web and Medical Editorial Board contributed to the development of this content. All content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of your condition.
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