Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth for life. At The Dental Practice

We are thoroughly committed to helping you achieve healthy teeth and gums for life.

Although gum disease is very common; it is commoner than the common cold, it is not inevitable. It is preventable.

What is Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) occurs when plaque is allowed to build up and mature around the necks of teeth, above the gum line, below the gum line and in between the teeth. Plaque is 99% destructive bacteria.

The bacteria contained in mature plaque produces toxins which cause the gums and supporting tissues around the tooth to become inflamed. Inflammation is the body’s first line of defence against these toxins and results in extra blood being sent to the gums which can make them red and swollen. There is usually little or no pain at this stage and one is often unaware of the problem. If the plaque continues to remain on the teeth it will harden to form tartar (also known as calculus) and this can only be removed professionally as it is very, very hard and sticky. Typical signs of early gum disease are:

• Red, swollen gums.
• Bleeding gums – when brushing or biting firm foods such as apples.
• Halitosis (Bad Breath).
• Bad taste.
• Sometimes pain and discomfort when brushing.

If plaque and tartar remain on the teeth the supporting tissues around the teeth will eventually become so damaged that pockets (separation of the gum from the tooth surface) will form around the teeth and eventually the teeth will fall out.

Typical signs of advanced gum disease (periodontitis) are:

• Loose Teeth
• Larger spaces between teeth
• Teeth that have drifted
• Receding gums (long in the tooth)
• Pain and discomfort when eating
• Periodontal abscesses (can be very painful).

 

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Treatment of Gum Disease

Stage One – The Assessment.

Upon visiting the dentist an assessment and evaluation will be made of the health of your gums and your susceptibility to gum disease and the dentist may refer you to the Hygienist. Radiographs (X-Rays) are normally needed to help diagnose extent of gum disease as they help evaluate the amount of bone support that is lost around the teeth.

The Hygienist

The hygienist specialises in helping you keep your gums healthy and she will do a full evaluation of your gum health. This includes:

• Measuring & recording how many teeth have plaque or tartar on them,
• Measuring & recording gum areas that are bleeding and inflamed,
• Measuring & recording gum pockets,
• Measuring & recording how many teeth are loose.

The Hygienist will then ask you:

• How frequently you brush your teeth,

How you clean the spaces in between your teeth, what do you use and how often. This is very important.