Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is extremely common, affecting many people worldwide at some point during their lifetime.
What is Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria in dental plaque, a biofilm that gradually builds up over your teeth between regular brushing and flossing. Without proper oral care at home, these bacteria soon build up and produce toxins that infect and inflame your gums, causing the first signs of gum disease.
The early signs of gum disease are called gingivitis and are characterised by gums that bleed when brushed and flossed and may also look red and swollen. Gingivitis is entirely reversible with prompt dental treatment. Often this is as simple as professionally cleaning your teeth and reviewing your oral care routine to ensure you are brushing and flossing correctly. However, these signs are quite subtle. Without the proper dental care, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, a much more serious form of periodontal disease that can cause tooth loss.
Periodontitis destroys the gums around teeth and other supporting tissues, including ligaments and bone. At this stage, gums start to recede and bleed more frequently and can become tender to touch. As periodontitis worsens, teeth can feel loose, and you may have persistent bad breath and a nasty taste. If you have periodontitis, we can help you manage this condition, deep cleaning your gums and helping to control the infection. It is often chronic, so you must see us regularly for ongoing treatment.
Equally concerning is the potential effect of periodontitis on overall health.
Periodontitis and its Link to Overall Health
Periodontitis is increasingly linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and dementia.
As the infection worsens and gums bleed more frequently, the bacteria responsible for this disease can enter your bloodstream.
Once in your blood, these bacteria have free passage around your body to create new sites of infection and inflammation, increasing your risk of developing health problems and potentially worsening any already present.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
A good preventative dental care routine will help ensure your gums remain strong, healthy, and disease-free.
Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss each day to remove dental plaque before bacteria can harm your gums. A healthy, balanced diet is important to ensure your gums can fight disease and heal more easily.
Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor your gum health closely, detecting any changes quickly so we can provide appropriate treatment to reverse early signs of gum disease.
Professional dental cleanings remove hardened dental plaque, a substance called calculus or tartar, helping you to maintain healthy gums.
