Dream Smiles offers gum disease treatment for patients in Brisbane
Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. This disease is one of the easiest to prevent, and treat—yet it’s the most prevalent. How gum disease is treated depends on how far advanced it is. If gum disease becomes chronic, it cannot be cured only managed. This is one of the reasons—alongside possible tooth loss—that you should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
What is gum disease?
The bacteria in our mouth, along with food particles and mucus create a form of plaque on your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing can help get rid plaque. However, if you don’t maintain a good oral hygiene routine, plaque can harden and become tartar—you can’t brush and floss tartar away. Only a professional clean from a dentist can remove tartar.
Gum disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible, periodontitis is manageable.
Gingivitis
The longer harmful substances like plaque and tartar are on your teeth the more damage they can do. These harmful bacteria can cause your gums to become inflamed. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis are red or swollen gums—and they can bleed easily. So, when you brush your teeth, if you notice bleeding this may be a sign of gum disease.
If you do notice any of these symptoms it’s a good idea to book a check-up and clean with your Dream Smiles dentist. If caught at this stage, gingivitis can be reversed. Gingivitis is mildly annoying but won’t cause any loss of tissue or bone around the tooth. If gingivitis it can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is inflammation around the tooth. Periodontitis means “inflammation around the tooth.” The gums pull away from the tooth and form pockets which become infected. Two things begin to happen. The plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line, and your body’s immune system starts to fight the spread of the plaque.
This combination of your body’s immune system and the plaque start to break down the bone and connective tissue holding your teeth in place. If not treated, the teeth become loose and either fall out, or are some damage and decayed they have to be removed.
What is gum disease treatment?
Gum disease treatment for gingivitis is typically a scale and clean with some dental health advice on maintaining a good at-home oral hygiene routine. Gum disease treatment is the management of periodontitis to help prevent the spread of plaque and the destruction of the connective tissue and bone holding your teeth in place.
The extent of your gum disease will determine exactly what treatment plan is used. Often you will need a scale and root planning—a scale removes the tartar from your teeth above the gum line. Root planning removes the spots on your roots where the germs gather. In some cases laser cleaning may be required—the benefits of laser dentistry treatment is less bleeding and swelling post-treatment.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Have you noticed your gums are looking a little discoloured? You might have gum disease. Other symptoms include:
- Sensitive teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
If you have one, or a combination, of these symptoms you should book an appointment with Dream Smiles today.
Gum Disease Treatment for patients in Brisbane
Don’t wait until you are in pain or discomfort to visit the dentist. Gum disease can present symptoms that don’t involve pain in the initial. By visiting Dream Smiles every six months for a dental check-up and clean you can reduce the risk of gum disease. And if you do have gum disease, a check-up can help to prevent any serious problems from occurring.
If you would like to know more about gum disease treatment, or to request an appointment at Dream Smiles Sunnybank, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum disease can manifest with symptoms such as bleeding gums during brushing and bad breath, indicating the presence of gingivitis, the initial stage of the condition. However, if gingivitis remains untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of the disease. Periodontitis affects additional tissues that support and anchor the teeth in place.
If your gums stop bleeding, that’s a good sign, but it doesn’t mean the gum disease is completely gone. Gum disease can be sneaky and may still be there even if the bleeding stops. It’s like an iceberg – the tip might disappear, but the real issue is below the surface. Remember, gum disease can get worse if left untreated. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help prevent any further problems and keep your smile healthy and happy.
Gum disease can lead to several common problems, especially if it progresses to the more advanced stage of periodontitis. Some of the typical problems associated with gum disease include:
● Tooth Loss: As gum disease advances, the infection can damage the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth, leading to tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.
● Receding Gums: Periodontitis can cause the gums to recede, exposing the sensitive tooth roots and making the teeth appear longer. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity.
● Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bacteria in the mouth release foul-smelling gases, causing persistent bad breath.
● Pain and Discomfort: Advanced gum disease can lead to pain, tenderness, and discomfort around the affected teeth and gums.
● Abscesses: Gum disease can result in the formation of pus-filled swellings called abscesses, which can be painful and require drainage and treatment.
● Gum Sensitivity: The gums may become more sensitive and prone to bleeding during brushing, flossing, or even while eating certain foods.
● Changes in Bite: Shifting or loose teeth due to gum disease can lead to changes in how your teeth fit together when biting.
● Poor Aesthetics: Gum disease can cause the gums to recede and the teeth to shift, affecting the overall appearance of your smile.
● Bone Loss: Periodontitis can result in the loss of bone that supports the teeth, weakening the overall dental structure.
● Systemic Health Issues: Research suggests a link between gum disease and other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and complications during pregnancy.
It’s important to remember that gum disease is preventable and manageable with early detection and proper treatment. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, can help prevent gum disease and its associated problems. If you suspect you have gum disease or are experiencing any symptoms, consult your dentist or periodontist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate care.
