Periodontal (Gum) Disease

The periodontal tissue supports your teeth, i.e. the bone and gum. Problems associated with this area are referred to as periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is the Number 1 cause of tooth loss in adults.

Plaque (dental bacteria) adheres to gums and teeth and is the main cause of this disease.

Plaque cannot be seen on the teeth usually

Placing a dye on the teeth shows the build up of damaging plaque

Plaque left behind after tooth cleaning stagnates and becomes harmful. This can cause long term damage.

Plaque near the gum margin is an irritant and causes inflammation (gingivitis) which is the start of gum disease.

Gingivitis

This disease can slowly damage the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, causing destruction (periodontitis).

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums due to bacteria

Periodontitis is inflammation and disease below the gum

Loss of the bone can result in eventual loss of the tooth.

Gum disease progresses slowly and painlessly. It is usually unnoticed by patients.

The effects can be very damaging and long lasting. The teeth may be lost if treatment is left too late. The disease should be treated and checked.

At advanced stages tooth loss may be unavoidable.

Once the gums return to optimum health, maintenance and monitoring should be undertaken.

Signs to watch out for

Bleeding Gums

Spontaneous or when you brush your teeth. The presence of blood when you rinse after brushing and blood on your tooth brush are signs that should not be ignored. Smoking can mask these signs.

Red Gums

Redness of the gums is a sign of problems and that the body is reacting to the bacterial build up. Healthy gums are naturally pink.

Gum shrinkage

The gum overlying the tooth starts to recede and the teeth appear longer.

Loosening of your teeth

This is usually at an advanced stage.

Other signs

Bad breath, scale accumulation, unpleasant taste, shiny gums and stained teeth.

Assessment

All of our patients are screened for gum problems and advised according to their individual needs.

We measure gum pockets, recession , bleeding areas and infected areas at the start and re measure them as a way to monitor progress and results.

X rays may be taken to check on the existing bone levels supporting teeth and to assess infected and treated areas.

Treatment

There are many factors involved but correct tooth brushing is the most important preventative step.

Changing brushing habits alone can often reverse this problem.

Hygienist

Our Hygienists can formulate individual cleaning plans so that you can be sure your oral hygiene routine minimises your risk of gum disease.

Hygienists remove plaque missed by regular tooth brushing but also the plaque that has calcified or hardened into calculus (sometimes called tartar).

They will also advise you on an individual regime for cleaning and prevention.

Other high risks factors associated with gum disease

• Cases

Infected gums made healthy following a week of dental hygiene

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After

Plaque and gross scale treated to give clean and healthy teeth

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After

Gross staining removed by Dental Hygienist

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After