All things which are built to last depend on a strong and stable foundation. Even though the pyramids at Giza seemingly float on a desert of sand, they don’t sink, nor do they topple. That durability is thanks to everything that underlies the fantastic structures we admire above.
Likewise, your teeth rely on a foundation in your gums to perform the jobs for which all teeth were put on this earth: biting, chewing, speaking and, of course, smiling. None of these functions would be possible without healthy gums to keep your teeth in line.
But in Australia, gum health is under assault. Surveys show that three in every ten adults has moderate to severe gum disease. But this is more than just a danger to your mouth. More and more research is showing that gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is associated with the following:
- Heart disease
- Respiratory diseases
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Kidney disease
This is why the team at Telopea Park Dental is committed to catching this condition at its earliest stages. Here are the crucial facts you should know about gum disease
What Is Gum Disease?
The same plaque-causing bacteria that lead to tooth decay and cavities also affect your gum tissue. It’s a process that accompanies every meal because the food that keeps you alive also nourishes bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth. These bacteria are kept under control when you maintain good oral health through daily brushing and flossing.
The problems begin when bacteria accumulate on your gum tissues, forming a sticky layer of plaque. Plaque is harder to remove by brushing, so that’s when your routine dental visits come into the picture. Our trained hygienists can rid you of plaque during a cleaning. However, persistent plaque may harden into a layer of calculus known as tartar.
By this point, the bacteria against your gums can grow without any checks because the calculus layer protects it. Unfortunately, this allows an infection to become established and eventually in your gum tissue.
Consider These Periodontal Disease Factors
Though inadequate oral hygiene and missed dental visits are the primary reason for gum disease, several other factors may exacerbate the situation, such as:
- Tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Genetic predisposistion
- Poor nutrition
- High-stress levels
- Other diseases like diabetes or immune dysfunction
People in Garran who check off any of these boxes should give special attention to their gum health.
The Types of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a progressive condition that starts small and worsens until you treat it. As mentioned above, when your gums become infected, you have gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease.
Untreated gum disease progresses into periodontitis, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Gingivitis Is Where It Starts
Gingivitis is mild and can be diagnosed visually. Your gums will look duller than usual, appearing red rather than pink. If you have darker skin, it will appear several shades darker than your healthy shade.
With gingivitis, you’ll experience the following:
- Slightly swollen gums
- Minor gum bleeding when you brush, especially when you floss
- Bad breath
- Gum sensitivity
The good news about early gingivitis is that it is often reversible. Following a good hygiene regimen and regular dental visits, you can restore your gum health and keep your health.
Periodontitis Is a More Advanced Gum Disease
Untreated gingivitis can grow into a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. This occurs when your gum infection has begun to erode your gum tissue itself. We will see this first at the margins where your gums and teeth meet. Next, eroded areas form, leaving spaces where bacteria accumulate. These gum pockets accelerate the disease because they trap and concentrate the bacteria.
The symptoms of periodontitis are considerably more severe than gingivitis, such as
- Heavily bleeding gums when you brush and floss
- Dark and puffy gum tissue
- Persistently foul breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Visually receding gums
- Highly sensitive, sore or painful gums
- Loosening teeth
Over time, your gum infection becomes so deep that it threatens your underlying bone health. By this point, your teeth are in real danger of falling out. But if you visit Telopea Park Dental in Garran regularly, we won’t let it get that far.
How We Address Gum Disease
Our team can treat gingivitis with a professional clean and polish, followed by an exam and a recommended follow-up visit. We can restore your gum health completely at this stage.
If you have more advanced gum disease, we may perform deep cleaning. This consists of two procedures. The first involves completely removing all plaque and calculus on and around your gums and teeth. Then, we smooth out your tooth roots to promote gum health and eliminate the pockets that harbour dangerous bacteria.
In the most extreme cases, we may refer you to a periodontal specialist who may need to perform gum surgery to save your smile.
Preventive Dentistry and Gum Disease Treatment in Woden
Dr Kropinak and his team are dedicated to helping your teeth keep their foundations strong. If you think you may have gingivitis, then you should remember that it can usually be reversed when you treat it promptly.
To learn more about gum health and preventive dentistry, we invite you to call our dental practice and schedule a consultation.