Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease At My Local Dentists West Ryde
Many people underestimate the dangers of poor oral hygiene in dental care.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, a progressive condition that has been shown to have a severe negative impact on overall health.
Failure to brush and floss correctly gives the oral bacteria in your mouth a chance to spread and multiply.
As these bacteria multiply, they emit acids that erode your dental enamel and toxins that can leach into your bloodstream, creating systemic issues with inflammation.
This inflammation is especially damaging to the heart, causing problems like endocarditis, stroke, blood clots, heart attacks, and even heart disease.
The same strains of bacteria in your mouth have been found inside the plaques that line your arteries.
This is why we are committed to keeping your gums healthy!
The Stages of Gum Disease
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.
Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. In Australia, it is estimated that 25% of individuals 35 to 54 years of age have periodontitis, with the prevalence increasing to over 40% among those aged 55 – 74 years and approximately 60% for those aged above 75 years old.
It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth.
Gum disease can develop without warning signs. That is one reason regular dental check-ups are critical. Treatment methods vary depending on the disease type and the condition’s severity.
How Your Dentist Diagnose Gum Disease
Your gums are checked for bleeding, swelling, and firmness during an exam. Your teeth are checked for sensitivity and movement.
Your bite is assessed. Full-mouth X-rays can help detect the breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth.
Periodontal probing determines the advancedness of the disease. A probe is like a tiny ruler gently inserted into pockets around teeth. The deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease.
Tartar may progress below the gumline, and some bone loss may be evident. Pockets 5 millimetres or deeper indicate a serious condition that usually includes receding gums and more significant bone loss.
Treatment of Gum Disease
The primary goal of treatment is to control the infection in your gums. Good dental habits should be maintained at home.
Modifying specific behaviours, such as quitting tobacco use or a better diet, might also be suggested.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing.
Scaling means scraping the tartar from above and below the gum line.
Root planing grinds down rough spots on the tooth root where germs gather and helps remove bacteria contributing to the disease.
Medicines
Medicines may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planing but cannot replace surgery.
Depending on the severity of gum disease, your West Ryde dentist may still suggest surgical treatment.
Surgical Treatments
Flap Surgery —This common surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back so the tissue fits tightly around the tooth.
Bone and Tissue Grafts — Grafting is a way to replace or encourage new growth of bone or gum tissue destroyed by periodontitis.
A technique that can be used with bone grafting is guided tissue regeneration, in which a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue.
This keeps the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to return.
What Can You Do To Prevent Gum Disease?
Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases:
- Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
- Floss every day
- Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Don’t use tobacco products
Gum Disease Treatment in West Ryde
At My Local Dentists West Ryde, we provide you with personalised service.
All our dentists are highly motivated and accredited practitioners with graduate degrees from the University of Sydney.
Along with the dentists, our supporting staff are highly dedicated and experienced in ensuring each visit with us is as comfortable as possible.
Our Promotions
GAP FREE
General Check-up, Scale and Clean, X-rays and Fluoride treatment (with any health insurance) *New patients only
Marketplace Employees Discount
10% discount for employees in the Marketplace
Senior Discount
10% discount for seniors
Call us at (02) 9809 7000 or request your appointment online today!
Visit us at Shop 20 West Ryde Marketplace, 14 Anthony Road in West Ryde.