What is Periodontology?

It is the branch of the gingiva that surrounds the teeth and roots in the mouth. In recent years, it has become popular because it is understood that the general health of gingiva directly affects the teeth aesthetics.

Periodontology branch includes dental calculi, gingival operations, flap operations, papil operations, deep curettage and implantology.

Sometimes the gums appear too much while smiling which is called Gummy Smile. It is the contidion of gingiva, drooping more than 3mm’s which causes bad aesthetics. In recent years, gigivectomy and gingivoplasty have been frequently applied for this operation and the gums become aesthetic again.

How should a healthy gum be?

• Light pink colored gums,
• A regular gingival margin that surrounds the teeth at the beginning of the stem and follows their contours,
• Lack of redness, swelling and infection,
• No bleeding while brushing and flossing,
• No feeling of discomfort,
• Should look solid and hard-looking.

Causes of Gum Diseases

The main reason for gum disease is the result of not brushing the teeth effectively and regularly. This causes microbial plaques which is sticky and transparent, to pile up as a layer that attaches to the teeth. It is difficult to detect it with the eyes as it becomes the same color with the tooth. The structure of the plate is soft, it can easily be removed from the tooth by the use of a toothbrush and dental floss. If the plaque is not removed in time, it becomes calcifies and tartar is formed. The rough structure of the tartar causes the plaque to pile up faster and inflammation progresses faster.

Other causes of gum diseases;

• Smoking is very harmful for oral mucosa and gums. It causes softening of gums and development of gingival diseases.
• Genetic factors are 30% effective, according to studies
• Dental hygiene should be given more importance during hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause etc.). Gums are sensitive şin those peroids.
• Research shows that stress effects the body’s ability to fight against infections. It can cause perodontal diseases.
• Drug use, birth control pills, antidepressants, heart medications, all effect our oral health. If you use any of these medications, warn your dentist and take pay more attention to your oral hygiene for the treatment to be successful.
• Grinding or  clenching of the teeth withers the bind between tooth and gum which causes damage on periodontal tissues. One of the reasons of gum recession is grinding. Night plaque must be applied to prevent that.
• Diabetes patients are in the high-risk group for periodontal infections. They should pay special attention to oral hygiene by making routine gum controls to a preiodontologist.
• Malnutrition causes weakening of the boy’s immune system and consequently the fight against infections, including gingivitis.
• Flooded and repressive fillers, crowns and brigdes create problems in the gums.

Considerations for Healthy Gums

• Brush your teeth effectively and regularly everyday and use floss.
• Eat well. Avoid calories and sticky food.
• Learn to examine yourself and do this routinely so you can catch the first signals of any oral or dental changes.
• Visit the dentist at least twice a year for scaling if needed.