Behind a smile can lurk a silent problem – gum disease. Often going unnoticed until advanced stages, this condition can have serious implications on your dental health. Our team at Newmarket Family Dental is happy to shed light on this common yet overlooked issue and let you know how our experienced team can offer timely interventions.
Not many people are even aware that they are suffering from a periodontal disease, which can potentially cause you to lose many or even all of your teeth.
Bleeding gums, bad breath, wobbly or loose teeth, and gum swellings are all signs of gum disease. Usually, it doesn’t cause pain until it’s too late. However, it can be treated in a few sessions of deep scaling done painlessly with local anaesthesia.
Our dentists routinely screen for gum disease during our check-ups, after which we will take time to work out the right periodontal treatment plan for you.
Call us today or book your appointment for gum treatment.
What Is Gum Disease?
Medically called periodontal disease, gum disease is a condition caused by bacterial infection in the gums. It starts with the build-up of plaque, a sticky film on teeth. If not regularly cleaned, this plaque can lead to gum inflammation. Left untreated, it can impair the bone supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Two Types of Gum Disease
Understanding the nuances of gum disease is the key to early detection and effective treatment. While many casually use the term “gum disease,” it’s essential to know that it manifests in different stages, each with its own characteristics and implications. Specifically, there are two main types, each marking a different severity level. Recognising what sets these stages apart can be the difference between simple treatment measures and more complex interventions.
1. Gingivitis – Often the precursor to more severe gum issues, gingivitis is characterised by red, swollen gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing. This initial stage is primarily caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque which accumulates on the teeth.
2. Periodontitis – Progressing from untreated gingivitis, periodontitis is a more severe, advanced periodontal disease. Here, the bone and inner layer of the gum have pulled away from the teeth, forming pockets. If left untreated, these pockets can become infected and, over time, enzymes produced in response can break down the bone and harm the connective tissue holding teeth in place.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease is often dubbed the silent destroyer because it can progress quietly without causing overt pain. However, it exhibits symptoms that, if identified early on, can lead to timely periodontal treatment and prevention of further complications. The manifestations of gum disease range from subtle signs to more evident and distressing symptoms. Recognising these indicators is crucial, as they not only point towards the health of your gums but also signal the overall well-being of your oral cavity.
- Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or lingering bad taste in the mouth
- Wobbly or shifting teeth
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Receding gums or teeth appearing longer than usual
Awareness of these symptoms can prompt early consultations before infection spreads, ensuring that the disease doesn’t advance to a stage where it poses a more significant threat to your dental health.
You can view our before and after images to see the results of our gum disease treatment at Newmarket Family Dental.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Certain habits, conditions, and your medical history can increase the risk of developing gum disease. These include smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, medications that reduce saliva flow, and genetic susceptibility. Regular dental cleaning and check-ups can help early detection, especially if you fall into these risk categories.
Prevention Of Gum Disease
While treatment is available, prevention remains the best approach. Regular professional cleaning by a dentist, proper brushing techniques to remove plaque, flossing, and a balanced diet are pivotal in keeping gum disease at bay.
Gum Disease Treatments By Newmarket Family Dental
Treatments can range from non-invasive methods to surgical interventions, depending on the severity. One of the most common treatments is deep scaling, where tartar is scraped off from above and below the gum line. This procedure, done under local anaesthesia, is painless and can be highly effective if followed by good oral hygiene practices at home.