Learn More About Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious infection that destroys the gingival tissues. It can bring severe pain, redness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums. This dental problem can lead to gum recession, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
The treatment for gum disease aims to mitigate the infection and prevent its recurrence. At West Perth Dental Centre, experienced dentists will develop a personalised treatment plan to address gum disease and help patients keep their gum health in good condition.
Please don’t wait too long to get the gum care you need; call us today to schedule an appointment.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bad breath or bad taste
This is typically due to bacteria in dental plaque formed above and below the gum line, which creates a foul smell that causes bad breath or taste.
Swelling of the gums
One common sign of gum disease is inflammation and swelling of the gums. This can cause tenderness and discomfort when brushing or flossing in the affected areas.
Loose teeth
Loose teeth are one of the obvious signs when gum disease has advanced. This occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, creating spaces between the teeth and gums, causing the teeth to become loose.
Gum recession
The bacteria in gum disease will continue to destroy the gum tissue, which can lead to receding gums. This happens when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding each tooth wears away or pulls back.
Teeth sensitivity
When your gums start receding because of gum disease, they can expose the tooth roots and other sensitive layers beneath them, which can cause sensitivity in the teeth.
Chewing difficulty
Chewing difficulty is one of the common signs of gum disease, as the condition can cause teeth to become loose, making it painful to chew and the mouth to feel sore.
Our Services That Can Address Gum Disease
Scale and Clean
The dentist will scrape away the plaque and tartar that have accumulated over time above and below the gum line. It reduces pockets of bacteria that form around the teeth and inflammation in patients with gum disease.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
The dentist might perform this procedure if the gum disease were triggered by erupting wisdom teeth. Extracting these back teeth may help reduce bacterial infection and promote gum healing.
Tooth Extraction
We include a tooth extraction procedure in the treatment plan in case of advanced stages of gum disease. The dentist will take out the tooth that has been damaged by bacterial infection to preserve oral health.
Gum Disease Treatment
We will carefully evaluate the gum’s condition and perform diagnostic tools to check the severity of the gum disease. Once we get such information, the dentist will design a treatment plan to address the problem.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT Gum Disease
What causes gum disease?
Most cases of gum disease start with the buildup of plaque on teeth and gum lines. Plaque is a sticky substance containing harmful bacteria that can infect the gum tissues and cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. When left unaddressed for a long time, this gum inflammation can lead to advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis.
Other risk factors for developing gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking or using tobacco products, and certain medications that can cause dry mouth.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Practising good oral hygiene is essential in helping prevent gum disease. Regularly brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing between teeth, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help improve plaque control and keep your gums healthy. Establishing consistent dental hygiene habits early on is important, as this will help minimise the risk of bacteria-causing debris in your mouth and thus prevent oral health problems like gum disease.
Furthermore, it would help if you visit the dentist regularly for preventative care, such as dental cleanings and check-ups. Here at West Perth Dental Centre, we can help you retain good oral habits to reduce the chance that you’ll develop gum disease.
What are the disadvantages of gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, carries serious complications in your oral health. It can cause the gums to pull away from the tooth and lead to the loosening of the teeth. In advanced cases, the bacterial infection can deteriorate the jawbone, which increases the risk of teeth falling out. For this reason, it is important to take measures to manage gum disease and take control of your oral health.
How often should I visit my dentist if I have gum disease?
Routine dental check-ups every six months are the go-to advice for many, but more frequent visits may be necessary if you suffer from gum disease. Depending on the extent of the infection, your dentist may advise periodontal maintenance every few weeks to every three months throughout your treatment. It’s important that you follow your dentist’s instructions to keep gum disease in check and achieve optimal oral health.
Will my gum disease recur after management?
On average, without vigilant oral hygiene habits and periodontal maintenance, gum disease can reoccur within two to four months after management. Hence, it is important to note that after you’ve had treatment for gum disease, regular oral care and frequent visits with the dentist are crucial for preventing the recurrence of the condition.
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