When people think about attaining the perfect smile and having optimal dental health, they focus on their teeth. However, the health of your gums is just as important!
Gums support your teeth and so the health of your gums is important in maintaining overall oral health, as well as the health of the rest of your body. If your gums exhibit signs of gums disease it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. If neglected, gum disease can cause shifting teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene and bacteria from food that has not been removed from between the teeth. When plaque builds up on teeth bacteria begins to infect the gums causing inflammation and bleeding as well as some discomfort.
While poor oral hygiene is the most common factor, there are other life influences that have been known to increase the risk of gum disease. These include:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Genetics
What’s the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is a term used to describe the early stages of gum disease. This includes inflammation of the gums and bleeding. As mentioned, this is caused by a buildup of bacteria from poor oral health.
If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to genuine infection of the gums known as periodontitis. This means the gums disease has progressed to a level that is not able to be managed by the body’s immune system. Patients with periodontitis may experience pus around the gums and the bacteria may begin to attack the bone holding your teeth in place. This can lead to tooth loss or the need for the tooth to be extracted.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you notice the following symptoms it is advisable you make an appointment to visit Oasis Dental Studio so we can assess your condition.
- Red, swollen gums
- Inflammation of the gums
- Gums that are sore to touch
- An excessive buildup of tartar that you cannot remove with your toothbrush
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is to have an active maintenance routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for approximately 2 minutes, flossing in between every tooth once a day and visiting the dentist every 6 months. Your regular dental check-up is extremely important as you will receive a professional clean taking away any plaque buildup over this time period. We will also be able to advise you where your technique needs improvement.
We also recommend advising us about any health issues that may contribute to the advancement of gum disease such as diabetes. We may wish to provide you with a personalised plan of attack.
Contact Oasis Dental Today for Gold Coast’s Trusted Gum Disease Dentist
If you’re looking for an experienced dentist for gum disease treatment on the Gold Coast, contact one of our studios today:
