Gum disease refers to a range of infectious conditions that affect the gums. There are two main types of gum disease: Gingivitis (gingivitis) and Periodontitis (progression of gingivitis).

Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation):
Causes: Gingivitis usually occurs when a bacterial buildup called plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and causes inflammation around the gums. Poor oral hygiene, bad eating habits, smoking and genetic factors can increase the risk of gingivitis.
Symptoms: Gingivitis is characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, bleeding, gum recession in the gums. These symptoms are usually noticed while brushing or flossing.
Treatment: Treatment for gingivitis mainly involves improving oral hygiene. Teeth should be brushed regularly, floss should be used and professional dental cleaning should be done. The dentist or dental hygienist can perform interventions such as scaling and gum treatments. If gingivitis is diagnosed and treated early, it can be completely cured.

Periodontitis (Progression of Gum Inflammation):
Causes: If gingivitis is not treated or controlled, gingivitis can progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is a condition in which the gums and surrounding tissues are severely damaged. Bacterial plaque is the main cause of this condition.
Symptoms: Symptoms of periodontitis are similar to those of gingivitis, but may be more severe and persistent. Gum recession, gingival pockets (deepened gingival cavities), weakness of the gingival tissue, bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth and even tooth loss may occur.
Treatment: Periodontitis treatment includes improvement of oral hygiene habits, professional teeth cleaning, cleaning of gingival pockets and, if necessary, surgical interventions. Surgical treatments may include gum grafts, bone grafts, and periodontal surgery. Periodontitis treatment can take a long time depending on the severity and progression of the condition, but the results are better if treated early.
Gum treatments include a range of treatment methods used to control gum disease and restore gums to a healthy state. The aim of gum treatments is to reduce gingivitis, clean gingival pockets, and stop or slow the progression of periodontal disease. Some common methods of gum treatments include
Professional Teeth Cleaning: Dentists or dental hygienists perform a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the teeth and gums. This procedure is recommended regularly, even in cases where gingivitis is mild.
Root Surface Correction (Scaling and Root Planning): This treatment aims to clean and correct the gingival pocket. The dentist or dental hygienist cleans the root surfaces under the gums of plaque and tartar (scaling) and then smoothes the root surfaces (root planing). This process can help clean and heal the gum pocket.
Gum Pocket Antiseptics: In cases where gingivitis is mild, dentists can clean the gingival pockets with antiseptic drugs. These medications can control the infection and speed healing.
Surgical Intervention: If gum disease is advanced or if gum pockets are causing deep problems, surgical intervention may be required. These interventions may include gum grafts (reshaping), bone grafts, and gum pocket surgeries. These procedures are used to clean the gingival pockets, correct the gingival tissue and replace the lost bone tissue.
Antibiotic Treatment: In some cases, antibiotic medications may be prescribed to control the bacteria that cause gum disease. These drugs are usually administered orally or locally.
Periodic Checks: After treatment, your dentist will perform periodic checkups to monitor your gums and gingival pockets on a regular basis. These checkups help prevent recurrence or progression of gum disease.
Controlling risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, stress and poor eating habits and adopting regular oral hygiene habits can help prevent gum disease and improve treatment outcomes. If you are experiencing inflammation, bleeding or other problems with your gums, it is important to consult a dentist or dental hygienist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious problems.