Gum Disease
Gingivitis & Periodontitis Treatment In Mt. Eliza
Gingivitis and periodontitis both refer to a spectrum of gum diseases, typically caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. Gum diseases are often undetected to the individuals until signs such as bleeding gums, swellings or shrinkages appear. Other symptoms include bad tastes or bad breath, and teeth drifting, such as your front teeth moving forward.
The principal perpetrator in the progression of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a biofilm of bacteria that develops on surfaces within the mouth. Plaque builds up after every meal, and can be mechanically removed by daily toothbrushing and flossing. However, when plaque is left on tooth surfaces for long enough, it starts to irritate the gums and cause gum inflammation. When plaque hardens into tartar (also known as calculus), it becomes very difficult to brush off. This further worsens gum disease.
Host factors such as general illnesses, medications or smoking can also have negative effects on gum health. Inadequate brushing techniques or lack of flossing can further exacerbate gum inflammation.
Gum diseases do not heal on their own and only worsen over time. The main focus of gum disease treatment at The Smile Place is to remove plaque thoroughly so that your gums have a chance to heal instead of being inflamed all the time. Periodontal therapy aims to reduce oral bacteria and usually involves regular dental cleans together with adequate oral hygiene home care.
Certain lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, reducing your stress and maintaining a balanced diet can help your body repair damaged tissue and reduce the severity of your gum diseases.
It can exacerbate and lead to serious gum infections if periodontitis is left untreated. Over time, teeth can become loose and finally fall out. There is also 2-3 times the chance of heart attack , stroke, or other significant cardiovascular occurrence in people with gum disease. It is therefore crucial to have your gum diseases treated as early as possible to minimise long term damages to your teeth, gums and the rest of your body.
