Dentist Lesmurdie

Periodontal Care for Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an extremely common problem, with most people around the world suffering from the condition at some point in their lives. It is characterised initially by red, bleeding, or inflamed gums caused by plaque build-up. When not addressed, this condition can progress into periodontitis, which can attack the jawbone, cause gum recession, and even result in tooth loss. Untreated gum disease has also been linked to heart disease and stroke, which is why it is important to manage the condition to protect your oral and overall health.

Since the signs of gum disease are often very subtle at first, many people may not even realise they have it. Fortunately, several treatment options exist for reversing or managing gum disease, including laser therapy, which we are proud to offer at Kalamunda Dental Care to help you improve your oral health.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Dental health professionals recognise three general stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, the most basic form of gum disease, is caused by a build-up of bacteria around the gums that leads to a sticky tartar. The development of gingivitis is often caused by insufficient dental hygiene, but smoking, diabetes, and genetics may also put you at risk. The effects of gum disease are typically reversible at this early stage if you resume a regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning/exam schedule.

Periodontitis

Unfortunately, when gum disease reaches this stage, it cannot be reversed, as lasting damage to the periodontal structures begins to happen. With periodontitis, the infection has begun to spread into the bone and soft tissue, forming a pocket of pus between the teeth and gums. The teeth may begin to pull away from the gums and the gums may recede. Please note that although periodontitis cannot be cured, it can be managed.

Advanced Periodontitis

At this stage, the divide between the gums and teeth has become so severe that the teeth may begin to loosen or fall out. When you reach this level of infection, you are at a higher risk of developing systemic issues that have been linked to advanced gum disease, some of which can be life-threatening (e.g., diabetes, stroke, and heart disease). As with less advanced periodontitis, the condition can be managed to reduce discomfort and severity of symptoms.

What are Common Signs of Gum Disease?

Symptoms of gum disease at varying levels include:

  1. Bleeding gums
  2. Swollen, puffy gums
  3. Soreness
  4. Halitosis (bad breath)
  5. Gum recession
  6. Noticeable periodontal pockets
  7. Tooth loss
Midland Dentist

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, following a healthy diet, and attending your regularly scheduled cleanings and exams. In addition, it can be helpful to be aware of the early signs of gum disease (i.e., bleeding, swelling, and chronic bad breath). If you catch gingivitis early enough, you may be able to stop it before it progresses.

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