Gum Disease

Understand just what’s going on inside your mouth

Did you know that there is not a single disease called “gum disease”? It’s actually the collective name given to a number of gum conditions, each of them presenting a wide range of symptoms and level of severity. The degree of gum disease will also determine the type of treatment required.

It may be something of a surprise to learn that more teeth are lost due to gum disease than to tooth decay. If you’re suffering from some form of gum disease, make an appointment to see the team at My Smile Dental for effective treatment options that will bring your gums and mouth back to full health. .

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is widely acknowledged as the most common gum disease affecting people today. Luckily, with immediate proper care, it can be completely reversible. Gingivitis can be the result of infrequent brushing or incorrect brushing and flossing techniques, which result in the build up of plaque on tooth surfaces, between teeth and under the gum line.

People suffering from gingivitis will often experience symptoms such as gum tenderness, inflammation and pain. These symptoms typically present themselves when bacteria in the plaque produce toxins that aggravate gum tissue.

If gingivitis is left untreated, the gums become infected and will tend to bleed during the brushing of teeth. In cases of acute gingivitis, more severe symptoms occur.

Prevention of Gingivitis

You can avoid gingivitis with regular scale and clean appointments by your dentist as well as applying correct brushing and flossing techniques. Using an anti-plaque rinse and plaque-fighting toothpaste will also help to inhibit the plaque build-up that causes gingivitis.

At My Smile Dental, we relive prevention is key! Our Oral Health Therapists will provide you with the necessary information and tools to ensure proper oral hygiene techniques are being used to reduce the risk of gum disease occurring.

To make an appointment with one of our Oral Health Therapists, call us on 03 9390 9333.

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Periodontitis

Early Periodontitis

May be associated with tooth sensitivity; throbbing or tightness may be felt in the gum tissue. Periodontal disease can, however progress slowly without any visible signs or symptoms.

Moderate Periodontitis

May cause loosening of the teeth, and an intensification and increased incidence of early periodontal symptoms.

Advanced Periodontitis

This extreme form is associated with gum recession, root decay, pus between teeth and gums, and loosening or loss of teeth.

Prevention of Periodontitis

Proper brushing and flossing, and use of an antibacterial rinse, help to inhibit the penetration of bacteria below the gum line, which is the primary cause of Periodontitis.

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