Yet, gum disease is relatively unknown and often overlooked.
No matter how overlooked gum disease is, one thing is certain – millions of Australians have at least moderate gum disease. Fortunately, if you have gum disease, your Mernda dentist at United Smiles is here to help!
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease is linked to other major health problems including stillbirths, strokes, heart disease and some kinds of cancer. Left untreated, gum disease leads to loose teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
There are two stages to gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis:
Gingivitis: The less severe form is caused by plaque (a combination of germs and bacteria called biofilm). If not removed, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar) and becomes difficult to remove. It eventually infects your gums, causing inflammation and bleeding that may be difficult to detect.
Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated it becomes periodontitis. In periodontitis calculus worms its way below your gum line and causes it to separate from your teeth. Pockets form in the gums, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, pain, as well as loose and moving teeth. Other symptoms of periodontitis include a discharge of puss from the gums (pyorrhea), bad breath, and sores on the gums.
If the infection and pockets are allowed to grow unchecked, they will eat away at the bone of the jaw until teeth begin to loosen, and eventually fall away from the bone. Fortunately, your United Smiles dentist is your ally in fighting all levels of gum disease!
Author and magician Amit Kalantri notes that, “Pragmatism is good prevention for problems.” And the same is true of gum disease. The best way to fight against gum disease is to adopt practical strategies to reverse and prevent it.
Visit your United Smiles dentist! If you have no signs of gum disease then your hygienist or dentist will work with you on a plan of regular brushing and flossing, to fight gum disease at home.
Next, schedule regular visits to the dental office to keep you teeth and gums clean. If there is any plaque or calculus you can’t remove, your dentist will be able to help.
If you do have signs of serious damage, your dentist will have suggestions beginning with a deep cleaning including scaling and root planning. This procedure usually results in little or no pain.
Surgery may be needed in more serious cases of gum disease, which is why it is so important to avoid gum disease in the first place.
Take control of your teeth, your health, and your life by treating gum disease today!
Our comprehensive preventive care helps keep your gums in tip-top shape, resulting in healthier gums and stronger teeth. United Smiles is conveniently located in the heart of Mernda Village, serving patients from all Melbourne areas. Our office has ample parking at the rear of the building. Wheelchair access is also available at the front of the building.
Call us today on (03) 8682 8658 or book an appointment online.
Our goal is to make quality dental care affordable. We encourage you to take advantage of our latest offers. To find out more, visit our special offers page!