Treating Gum Disease - The Silent Threat to Your Oral Health
Posted on September 11, 2024
Gum disease is a common and serious condition that affects the gums and supportive tissues of your teeth. Unlike cavities, gum disease symptoms develop gradually over time. This makes the symptoms less noticeable and easy to overlook. Untreated, it can significantly affect your oral health and well-being.
In this article, we explore the various stages and symptoms to look out for. We will also share our recommendations for preventing gum disease and protecting your smile for life.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common oral condition that begins with a buildup of plaque (bacteria) on your teeth and gums. Without a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, the bacteria can harden and turn into tartar. Plaque and tartar then irritate the gums and can lead to gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It is characterised by red and swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. Proper oral hygiene and professional treatment from your dentist can treat gingivitis. This will also ensure the condition doesn't progress to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, and related complications.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Understanding the progress of gum disease is an important factor in ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.
Gingivitis - Early Stages
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Common symptoms include gum redness, bleeding and swelling. Unlike tooth cavities or tooth infections, gingivitis is a painless condition that can progress undiagnosed.
Our dentists recommend paying close attention to the appearance of your gums and any signs of bleeding during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with a combination of professional cleaning and oral hygiene practices.
Periodontitis - Advanced Stages
Periodontal disease is the advanced stage of the condition and is characterised by the infection spreading further below the gum line. Without treatment, the infection can affect the bones and soft tissues responsible for supporting your teeth. Symptoms include:
- Receding gums
- Recurring bad breath
- Sore teeth and gums when eating
Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth and jaw bone loss. Dental treatments are available to prevent the condition from worsening and treat the underlying infection. They include professional deep cleaning, medication and possible surgery.
Preventing Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Working with your dentist is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and significantly reducing your risk of developing gingivitis. Regular dental check-ups and cleans combined with good oral hygiene habits will keep your gums healthy.
Oral Hygiene
The basics of gum health start with an effective oral hygiene routine. Our dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. This will ensure you are removing plaque before it can harden turning into tartar. A soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will keep the surface of your teeth clean between dental check-ups.
Flossing daily ensures the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and along the gum line are kept clean and free of plaque. For additional protection, a medicated mouthwash can be used after brushing and flossing.
Lifestyle Factors
A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins is an important tool in keeping your gums healthy. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and work to fight inflammation. Sweets, treats and soft drinks can promote the growth of oral bacteria and increase the buildup of plaque and are best consumed in moderation. Smoking and chewing tobacco are also proven risk factors for gum disease and other dental conditions.
Treating Gum Disease
The best time to start treatment for gum disease is the moment you notice any symptoms. This gives you and your dentist the best chance of preventing long-term damage. Gingivitis and early stages can be treated. While periodontitis isn't curable, reducing the symptoms and preventing permanent damage is possible. Our team of experienced dentists have a range of tried and tested treatments available.
Non-surgical treatments
The main focus of non-surgical treatments is the cleaning and treatment of bacteria. Ultrasonic scaling and planing clean the tooth above and below the gum line to remove plaque deposits. This process removes significantly more plaque than brushing with a toothbrush.
Depending on your condition, your dentist may also use medication to help fight the bacterial infection. Antibiotics can be applied to your gums and the periodontal pocket to prevent the spread of infection. Generally speaking, non-surgical treatment is used for gingivitis. Advanced gum disease may require a combination of non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Surgical Treatments
For periodontitis, your dentist may recommend surgical treatments to prevent the spread of infection. Procedures such as the gingivectomy aim to remove infected gum tissue which may help prevent your condition from worsening.
Bone grafting may be recommended for advanced periodontitis. The procedure replaces missing and damaged bone in the jaw. The surgery is intended to restore healthy bone in the jaw and often precedes dental implants. Most treatments of advanced periodontitis will include a combination of non-surgical procedures.
Choosing the Right Dentist
Making sure you receive the appropriate treatment promptly is essential for achieving the best possible results. Our team is committed to providing effective gum disease treatment in a safe and comfortable environment. Our practice is QIP accredited and is Launceston's first MELAG Hygiene Partner Award recipient for patient protection.
Protect Your Smile
Regardless of whether you have early-stage gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, or just need a second opinion, our team are ready to help you today.