Many people are unaware that gum disease is a very common problem. In fact, according to the Department of Health, gum disease affects over 22.9% of the Australian population! We all know that if you have gum disease, it can have severe effects on your oral health and overall well-being. Here at Kangaroo Point Dental, we want our patients to be informed and educated on different health problems that can arise if you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene. This blog post will talk about what gum disease is, how it affects your teeth, and what you can do to prevent gum problems in the future.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a gum infection that can affect both your teeth and gums. Gum disease is caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed regularly, it will harden into tartar. Tartar can cause gum disease and other oral health problems. If you have gum disease, you may experience symptoms such as red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding gums; receding gums; bad breath; loose teeth; and pain when chewing. Also, if left untreated gum disease can even lead to tooth loss.
What’s the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, while periodontitis is a more serious infection that can cause tooth loss if left untreated. Gingivitis is caused by plaque build-up, while periodontitis is caused by plaque and tartar build-up. Periodontitis can also arise due to other health problems such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS. The primary symptom of gingivitis is bleeding or red gums, and it typically does not cause any pain. For periodontitis, symptoms include bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, receding gums, bad breath, and sore gums.
Prevention
Now that we know more about gum disease, let’s take a look at some ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is key. Flossing once a day is also very important – this helps remove plaque from between the teeth and gums.
Another way to prevent gum disease is to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Dentists can detect early signs of gum disease and provide treatment before it becomes a bigger problem. If you do have gum disease, there are several treatments that your dentist may prescribe, such as antibiotics, scaling and root planning, or gum surgery. Here at Kangaroo Point Dental, we focus on educating our patients on gum disease during routine cleans and check-ups and we also offer tailored treatment plans for those with more serious signs of the disease.
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan that is best suited to your individual needs. This may include regular brushing and flossing; scaling (cleaning); root planning (scraping); antimicrobial therapy; surgical procedures such as gums re-contouring/recession surgery and crown lengthening surgery alongside home care including oral hygiene instructions. It’s important that you follow your dentist’s instructions carefully to get the optimal results from your treatment.
By following these tips, you can help keep gum disease under control and protect your oral health!
Want to Get Professional Advice On Your Gum Health? Contact Kangaroo Point Dental
If you think you may have gum disease it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible, to avoid further damage and serious long-term dental problems. Kangaroo Point Dental is here to help you with all your gum disease needs. Contact us today to book an appointment!