What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. It starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, especially along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
If there is a build-up plaque and tartar this can irritate the gums, causing inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can lead to damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm.
- If you are experiencing bleeding gums especially during brushing or flossing, is not normal and can indicate gum disease.
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash
- Receding gums leading to exposed tooth roots and an elongated appearance of the teeth.
- As gum disease progresses, it can cause the bone supporting the teeth to deteriorate, leading to loose or shifting teeth.
In advanced stages, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated. Therefore, it’s essential to see us regularly for check-ups and cleanings and to practice good oral hygiene at home to prevent gum disease. If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease, it’s important to seek dental care promptly to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth.
How do we manage gum disease?
There are several treatments offered for gum disease, depending on the severity of the condition. Common treatments for gum disease include
Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build-up from the teeth and below the gumline using specialised instruments. This can include scaling and root planning, also known as deep cleaning. It is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease in its early stages. It involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and smoothing out rough areas on the roots to prevent bacteria from re-accumulating.
Your dentist may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash or oral antibiotics to help reduce bacteria and inflammation in the gums.
Periodontal maintenance: After initial treatment for gum disease, it’s important to follow up with regular periodontal maintenance appointments to continue the professional cleanings and monitor your gum health to prevent worsening of the gum disease.
Your dentist will provide education on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and using interdental cleaners, to help prevent gum disease from recurring.