Teeth are held in place by the jawbone and gums that surround it. Unfortunately, this support system can be slowly eroded away by gum disease. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease (“gingivitis”). If this is left untreated, it can progress to an advanced stage of gum disease (“periodontitis”) where the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed. Over time, this will cause your tooth/teeth to become loose and painful to chew on.
Gum disease is caused by harmful bacterial toxins within plaque and hard deposits (called tartar or calculus) on your teeth above and below your gums. Once these deposits have formed, brushing or flossing cannot remove them. At Parade Dental Ocean Grove, we use ultrasonic cleaners which gently vibrate these hard deposits off your teeth. This will then allow your gums to heal.
The best way to minimise these hard deposits forming in the first place is to brush or floss it off while it is soft. Spending two minutes brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will go a long way in maintaining your gum health. And don’t forget to see us to help you remove those hard deposits!
The preventive gum disease program that we tailor for you is not a “one-size fits all” approach; some people need help every 12 months, whereas some people might need more regular help every 3 months. In addition, research has shown that unhealthy gums can influence diabetes, heart disease, and even pregnancy. As you can see, healthy gums are important for a healthy body!
What are the signs that you may have gum disease?
- Red, swollen, bleeding gums
- Shrinking (receding) gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Gum infection or abscess
- Nothing! Sometimes there are no signs at all, which makes it even more important to have regular assessments with us
There is no quick fix for gum disease. It involves ongoing, regular gum disease treatment and cleaning, and (most importantly) good home care.
