Gum Disease
The impacts of gum disease on personal health have been recognised in many studies that observe a correlation between gum disease and coronary disease. Identifying gum disease as soon as possible and seeking treatment is therefore of paramount importance for not only your oral health but also your general health.
Most dental diseases are a product of neglect and if proper dental care is started early, dental problems are greatly reduced and we are able to achieve holistic dental care for our patients. A prime example of the importance of this patient and dentist collaboration in dental care is the management and prevention of gum disease.
Regular home care does not guarantee whole mouth cleaning. While plaque on tooth surfaces is removed with proper tooth brushing techniques, areas below the gum line cannot be cleaned with a regular home care system.
For debris beneath the gum line, your dentist must use specific instruments for assessment and removal. If this area is not professionally cleaned, the risk for developing gum disease and, eventually, periodontal disease, increases.
Depending on the extent of the gum disease present, our dentist team can work with you to devise a treatment plan and refer you to a periodontist.
Gum disease or gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to the presence of bacteria that irritates the soft tissues. This is a common disease that affects 75% of people over the age of 35.
Gum disease is reversible and it settles when the irritants that cause the inflammation are removed. Without professional teeth cleaning, plaque that has accumulated on the surface of the teeth further inflicts damage when bacteria begin to thrive beneath the gum line. These bacteria initiate gum disease and cause gingivitis.
When not properly managed, plaque hardens and turns into calculus. Calculus are hard deposits that also contain bacteria that may further worsen the disease.
A complication due to untreated gingivitis is periodontal disease and this is an irreversible disease that affects the bone surrounding the tooth which if not attended to, may cause tooth loss.
- Swollen, itchy gums
- Red and inflamed gums
- Bleeding of the gums during toothbrushing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Bad breath
- In worst cases, pus in between teeth
Identity Dentistry dental professionals are well skilled and equipped with up-to-date technology to manage and treat gum disease. During your visit, assessment is key as it helps the dentist identify the severity of the disease.
Depending on this assessment, your dentist will lay out a treatment plan for you and this will include preventive and non-invasive management for gum disease. Here are the gum disease treatment options that are available in our clinic:
- Scaling: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of modern technology to remove plaque and calculus, as well as its accompanying bacteria, that has accumulated beneath the gum line.
- Root Planing: This is a technique that removes irritants on the surface of the tooth roots. Through the use of an ultrasonic scaler, the tooth roots are planed and the roughened surface is smoothened out so bacteria does not lodge into the abraded surfaces.
- Medications: In severe cases where pus has formed, antibiotics will be prescribed to kill bacteria causing inflammation. This will also help with reducing bacteria build-up that may cause the recurrence of gingivitis.
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Habitual dental visits and dental cleaning: A bi-annual (every 6 months) visit to the dentist can help with a regular assessment of your dental health. This will also include thorough cleaning of the mouth and removing all irritants that may initiate gum disease.
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Good oral hygiene: A proper and strictly followed home care routine that involves tooth brushing, mouth rinsing, and flossing provides for well-rounded oral health.
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Patient Education: This is important as the gaps between dental visits will highly depend on the patient and his understanding of how to take care of his oral health. The patient should be well-informed of proper oral hygiene techniques and the repercussions of neglect.
With every dental visit, we emphasise to our patients that along with other dental problems, gum disease can be easily prevented. At Identity Dentistry, we diligently practice Preventive Dentistry and advise our patients with the benefits of it.
Visit our clinic and let us help you with achieving good oral hygiene. Through our friendly team of dental professionals and early detection and management, we commit to providing the best oral health care services to you.
