Gum disease comes in two forms; the precursor, gingivitis and the more severe, periodontitis.
Most people will experience gingivitis at some point in their life. It starts off quite mild and often doesn’t cause any pain. Some of the signs and symptoms that you will notice are:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing
Gingivitis is reversible and is plaque related. To help prevent gingivitis, there are a few things you can do:
- Visit your dentist for a professional clean – the most common suggestion is to visit your dentist either every 6-12 months
- Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes
- Make sure you clean in between your teeth either using floss or interdental brushes (Piksters)
While gingivitis is mild and easy to avoid if good oral hygiene habits are followed, gum disease can turn serious if left neglected.
Over time and in people who are susceptible gingivitis can progress to Periodontitis. Periodontitis is much more serious and affects your gums as well a the supporting tissues (Bone). When the periodontium (the supporting structures around the tooth) get inflamed it can lead to tooth loss.
Some signs of periodontitis are:
To manage periodontitis the following steps should be taken:
- Visit your dentist – in some cases your dentist may refer you onto a specialist (Periodontist)
- Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes
- Clean in between your teeth daily
- Strongly consider quitting smoking
While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause in gum disease, there are other contributing factors. Gum disease can be caused by:
- Certain illnesses that lower the ability for your body to fight infection (uncontrolled Diabetes), as well as certain medications. This is why it is very important to let your dentist know about your overall health and any medications you may be taking.
- During pregnancy women can become more sensitive to the bacteria that cause gum disease and can be more prone to developing gum disease while pregnant.
- Smoking is not only bad for your overall health but your dental health also and should be avoided.
Regular dental check-ups are a great way to stay on top of your oral health and a great opportunity to talk to your dentist regarding any concerns you may have.
To book an appointment please phone 3203 0162 to speak to our friendly reception team or appointments can be booked online here.