Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent dental conditions that affects the gums and the structures supporting your teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become inflamed but can still heal with proper care. If left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, where bacteria move deeper into the tissues and may cause tooth loss and persistent pain.
In this article, we will explore the underlying causes of periodontal disease and discuss proven professional treatments for periodontal disease pain relief.
Table of Contents
What are the Main Causes and Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease?
Several factors contribute to the onset and progression of periodontal disease, such as:
- Plaque Buildup: It is the leading cause of periodontal disease and usually results from inadequate oral hygiene.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Promotes plaque formation and speeds up its maturation, which worsens gum disease.
- Hormonal Changes: During puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, hormonal fluctuations can increase gum sensitivity and the risk of infection.
- Uncontrolled Systemic Diseases: Systemic diseases such as diabetes have a bidirectional relationship with gum disease. Poor gum health can worsen blood sugar control, and vice versa.
- Ill-Fitting or Poorly Maintained Dental Prostheses: Poorly fitted dentures or appliances promote plaque buildup and gum irritation, raising infection risk.
- Poorly Contoured Dental Fillings: Dental restorations that don’t follow natural tooth contours can cause localized plaque accumulation and gum inflammation.
- Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition can make some individuals more susceptible, with conditions such as aggressive or juvenile periodontitis causing rapid tissue and bone destruction at an early age.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
In the early stages, periodontal disease typically does not cause pain. The gums may appear swollen and bleed easily, but there is often no significant discomfort.
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable. Persistent pain and discomfort while chewing can develop. Pain usually occurs due to inflammation and infection caused by the body’s immune response to bacterial invasion, or from pus formation within periodontal pockets.
Common symptoms include:
- Tender, swollen, and bleeding gums that appear red or inflamed.
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis) despite maintaining oral hygiene.
- Teeth appear longer due to gum recession.
- Loosening or shifting of teeth, which may create new gaps between them.
- Purulent (pus) discharge from between the teeth and gums when gentle pressure is applied
Absolute red flags that require immediate dental attention:
- Fever or enlargement of lymph nodes near the jaw
- Noticeable pus discharge accompanied by a persistent foul taste in the mouth
- Significant tooth mobility due to loosening of supporting structures
- Visible swelling in the gums or facial tissues
How is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Gingivitis can often be reversed simply by removing plaque. Once the triggering factor is eliminated, the gums usually return to their healthy state. Periodontitis, however, requires more comprehensive care, and treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
Non-Surgical Therapy
Non-surgical options are the first line of treatment for periodontal disease pain relief. They focus on removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria while encouraging gum reattachment and healing. Some common options include:
1. Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to reduce the chance of bacteria reattaching. This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, and discomfort afterwards is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
2. Locally Delivered Antibiotics / Tray Delivery Systems
In some cases, antibiotics are delivered directly into the periodontal pockets using special trays. This localized approach is effective for inflamed pockets and allows targeted medication delivery based on the patient’s needs.
3. Laser Treatment
A minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, laser therapy uses specific wavelengths to target infected tissue and bacteria. It is considered safe and can be equally effective as scaling and root planing in many cases.
4. Systemic Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for persistent or active gum infections that do not respond adequately to professional cleaning.
Surgical Therapy
In more severe situations, periodontal gum disease pain relief can be achieved through surgical therapy. Here are some common procedures:
- Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
In this procedure, the gums are carefully lifted to expose the tooth roots. This allows for thorough cleaning and removal of bacterial deposits, as well as access to furcation areas (the spaces between roots of multi-rooted teeth). Once the area is cleaned, the gum tissue is repositioned to fit snugly against the tooth.
- Gum Graft Surgery
When gum recession occurs due to periodontitis, the roots of the teeth become exposed. Since receded gums do not grow back naturally, gum grafting is performed to cover the exposed roots using tissue from the palate or another area of the mouth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration and Bone Grafts
If periodontitis has caused bone loss, regenerative procedures may be used alongside cleaning. Bone grafts fill the resorbed areas to encourage new bone growth, while guided tissue regeneration uses a special membrane to direct the healing process, allowing both gum and bone tissue to repair themselves more effectively.
Post-treatment over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or pain relievers are used to provide periodontal disease oral surgery pain relief.
Final Thoughts
For effective periodontal disease pain relief, we recommend that our patients understand the root cause first. Once that is done, the next step involves timely professional care. This can include both surgical and non-surgical techniques, depending on the severity. After treatment, maintaining proper oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups are important to keep your gums healthy and prevent further issues.
Book Your Appointment Today!
If you are looking for a trusted dentist near me brooklyn, book an appointment with Brooklyn Blvd Dental. Our team here offers advanced periodontal therapy to address gum disease and protect your long-term oral health.
You can call us at (763) 533-8669 or visit our practice at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can home remedies cure periodontal disease?
No. While some home remedies may provide mild pain relief, they cannot cure periodontal disease. Once the infection reaches the deeper periodontal tissues, professional treatment is essential.
2. Can baking soda cure periodontal disease?
Baking soda may help remove surface stains, but it does not affect the underlying periodontal infection.
3. Can stress worsen periodontal disease?
Yes, chronic stress can weaken the immune system and worsen gum disease. Stress also contributes to bruxism (teeth grinding), which may damage periodontal ligaments.
4. Can periodontal disease go away on its own?
Without treatment, periodontal disease usually worsens. Early intervention is the key to preserving gum and bone health.
