Understanding Gum Disease and When to Seek Treatment in Berwick
General Dentistry
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Gum disease, known medically as periodontal disease, is a significant concern that involves the inflammation and infection of the gum tissues supporting your teeth. If neglected, gum disease can lead to severe damage to your teeth and jawbone.
The primary cause of gum disease is inadequate oral hygiene leading to plaque and bacteria accumulation around the teeth, eventually hardening into tartar. While gum disease can be discomforting, early detection and prompt gum disease treatment in Berwick can prevent its progression.
Here are some indicators that you may need to seek gum disease treatment in Berwick:
Persistent bad breath or unpleasant tastes in your mouth:
This could be an indication of bacteria build-up which often leads to gum disease. Regular brushing and mouthwash use may not be enough to counteract these symptoms if gum disease is present.
Inflamed gums:
Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums are often a direct sign of gum disease. Healthy gums should be firm and pink, so any deviation from this should not be ignored.
Loose teeth:
Gum disease can lead to a loss of bone structure in your jaw, causing your teeth to loosen. This symptom requires immediate attention.
Discomfort while chewing:
If you experience pain during eating, it could be due to inflammation or infection in your gums, a common symptom of gum disease.
Receding gums or longer appearing teeth:
Should you notice any of these symptoms,it’s crucial to promptly arrange a visit to a gum disease specialist. Working together, you can develop a comprehensive gum disease treatment plan to restore andmaintain your oral health. Remember, the sooner you act, the better the chances of reversing the impacts of gum disease and preserving your smile.
Berwick Dental Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive gum disease treatment in Berwick. We believe in proactive dental care and encourage regular check-ups to detect any potential issues early. Remember, gum disease is largely preventable with proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits. Don’t let gum disease ruin your smile; take action today.
What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?
Prevention is always better than the cure, so understanding the triggers and causes of periodontal disease is essential for a healthy mouth. Gum disease is primarily caused by:
Inadequate or irregular brushing and flossing:
Can lead to the build-up of plaque on the teeth. If not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, which further contributes to gum infection. When these harmful substances accumulate around the gum line, they can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to gum disease.
Smoking or chewing tobacco:
These habits not only make it harder for gum tissue in your mouth to repair itself but also increase the risk of severe gum disease.
Hormonal changes in the body:
Such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to gum disease. Certain prescription medications can also affect oral health by reducing saliva flow, which has a protective effect on gums and teeth.
Chronic illnesses:
Like diabetes and cancer, can also increase the risk of developing gum disease. These conditions can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making gums more susceptible to bacterial invasion and subsequent disease.
Genetics:
Play a role as well. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to gum disease, meaning if your parents or grandparents had gum disease, your risk might be higher.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease From Appearing in the First Place?
Preventing gum disease is largely within your control and can be achieved by following a few simple yet effective steps:
Maintain Regular Oral Hygiene:
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste is crucial. This helps remove the plaque and food particles that accumulate on your teeth throughout the day.
Floss Daily:
Flossing should be an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. It reaches the narrow spaces between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t, effectively removing plaque and preventing build-up that can lead to gum disease.
Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings:
Visiting Berwick Dental Clinic for regular check-ups allows early detection and treatment of any oral health issues. Professional cleanings are also important to remove tartar (hardened plaque) that brushing and flossing alone can’t eliminate.
Eat a Balanced Diet:
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and low in sugar can help strengthen your gums and immune system. Limiting sugary snacks and beverages reduces the risk of plaque build-up, which is a leading cause of gum disease.
Avoid Tobacco Use:
Smoking or chewing tobacco can weaken your gum’s ability to fight off infection, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Understanding Gum Disease Treatments at Berwick Dental Clinic
At Berwick Dental Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatments for gum disease, designed to restore your oral health. Our treatment plan involves several stages:
Deep Cleaning:
This is the first step where our dental professionals remove plaque and tartar both above and below your gum line. This process helps in reducing bacteria and preventing further gum damage.
Root Planing:
During root planing, we smooth out rough spots on the tooth root where germs tend to gather. This procedure discourages further bacterial growth and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
Medications:
We may prescribe antibiotics to control bacterial infection and prevent further spread of the disease.
Surgery:
In severe cases, we might recommend surgical procedures such as flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts to repair damaged gums and bones.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Berwick Dental Clinic utilises dental diode lasers for laser periodontal treatment. This modern approach to treating gum disease offers clear benefits over traditional methods. It reduces pain, minimises bleeding, enhances germ reduction, and promotes mostly scar-free wound healing, shortening recovery time significantly.
Gum Disease Aftercare Instructions
After your gum disease treatment, it’s crucial to:
- Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
- Regularly rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for professional cleaning and check-ups.
Contact Berwick Dental Clinic
Are you ready to enhance your smile with Berwick Dental Clinic? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to schedule your consultation or ask any further questions. Our friendly team is eager to assist you.
We proudly accept CDBS and are preferred providers for HCF as well as members of the SMILE fee group. Our payment options are diverse for your convenience: Afterpay, Openpay, ZIP, HUMM, in-house direct debit payments for orthodontic treatment, and Superannuation release.
Phone: (03) 9707 3227
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
While professional treatment is necessary for advanced gum disease, early stages can be managed at home through:
- Good oral hygiene practices including brushing and flossing.
- Using antiseptic mouthwashes to kill bacteria.
- Regularly rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the gum disease. While mild gingivitis can improve within weeks with good oral hygiene, advanced periodontitis may require ongoing management over several months or more. Regular follow-ups with your dentist are critical during this period.