Gum disease treatment in Ipswich QLD
Choose the experts for your gum disease treatment
Gum disease can pose a significant threat to the future health of your teeth, mouth and general wellbeing.
More and more research is also indicating that it is linked to various other health problems, including heart disease.
That’s why it’s important that you seek professional and effective gum disease treatment.
And that’s why more and more families are turning to Ipswich Family Dental.
Understanding gum disease, treatment and risk
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues (called gum) in your mouth that hold and secure your teeth in place.
Most commonly, poor oral hygiene–such as bad brushing habits and not flossing–allows a build-up of excessive plaque on and around the teeth.
Some symptoms of this condition can include swollen, tender, sensitive or red/inflamed gums.
The two stages of gum disease
There are actually two distinct stages when it comes to disease in your mouth’s soft tissue: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
This stage of gum disease occurs when the plaque and tartar in your mouth builds up. The bacteria in the plaque causes your gums to inflame and can result in pain, redness and bleeding.
If you’re suffering from gingivitis, you can often treat it with daily brushing and flossing, combined with twice-a-year dental checkups with the team here at IFD.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease and occurs when gingivitis is not treated effectively. The gum around the tooth may become inflamed which causes it to “pull away” from the teeth.
The pockets created by the receding gums are susceptible to infection as debris and particles can get caught and build up in the space. Bacterial toxins and the enzymes that your immune system produces can cause the bone of your teeth to break down, as well as the important connective tissue that holds your teeth securely in place.
Serious cases of periodontitis can result in teeth becoming loose and needing to be extracted.
What are the risk factors of gum disease?
There are a variety of risk factors associated with advanced disease, including:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes in women
- Stress
- Illness
- Medication
- Genetic susceptibility
How to prevent gum disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is by getting into good oral hygiene habits. These include brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste; flossing daily as well; eating nutritional and well-balanced; not using tobacco products or smoking; and regular visits to the dentist.
Here at Ipswich Family Dental, we recommend visiting the dentist twice a year. This allows our professional team to look for early signs and problems, and offer effective, early treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the treatment, the better the results.
What gum disease treatments are available?
While the preventative measures outlined above are the best way to go about dealing with gingivitis and periodontitis, early gum disease treatment can be very effective in minimising the damage of gum-related problems and ensuring the longevity and continued health of your teeth.
Professional treatment includes:
Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your gums using a special probe. By measuring the spaces between tooth and gum, they will be able to determine the health of not just the gum itself but the surrounding supporting structures also.
If necessary, you will be instructed in good tooth cleaning techniques and habits to help you remove any plaque or hardened plaque, called calculus. Regular hygiene appointments at our dental clinic will also ensure periodic teeth cleaning.
If your gum disease is advanced in its development and damage to your oral health, your dentist may consult with you regarding other more complex gum disease treatment to consider.
Book a consultation today
With our effective gum disease treatment, there’s no need to be glum!
If you’re experiencing bleeding, inflamed or sensitive gums, or you just want to book in a regular hygiene clean and scale, give us a call today on 3281 1781