Gum Treatment
The Importance of Healthy GumsGum Treatment
The Importance of Healthy Gums
Gum disease is the generic term for periodontal disease which is the soreness, swelling or infection of your gums caused by bacterial infections. If it’s left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other potentially serious conditions such as heart disease, increased risk of stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of oral cancer. It is also thought to be linked to dementia and is the most common reason for tooth loss in adults.
That’s why it’s so important to have healthy gums. Not only are you reducing the chance of future tooth loss, you are protecting your whole body against serious disease.
What are the risk factors?
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Some cardiac issues
- Poor diet
- Genetics
The Two Stages Of Gum Disease
1
The first stage of gum disease is when the area around the gums becomes red and swollen. This is known as gingivitis and can normally be treated and cured with a good daily oral hygiene routine.
2
The second stage occurs when the bone supporting the teeth is lost and the teeth become loose until they eventually have to be removed.
The Benefits
Did you know that almost 90% of adults will have some level of gum disease at least once in their lifetime? It’s true, and it is caused by the build-up of sticky plaque and hard deposits of tartar and the disease can progress and be painless. Even if you practise good oral hygiene- especially if you have any veneers, fillings, crowns or other restorations- your gums can still be at risk.
With regular cleanings you can prevent gum and other diseases, have a whiter smile, prevent and treat bad breath, reduce your chance of oral cancer, stop bleeding gums and help keep your teeth strong and healthy so they’ll last a lifetime.
Aftercare
Looking after your gums after your treatment
Once your teeth and gums have been assessed and properly treated we will create a personalised daily oral health care routine for you. This will include a minimum need for everyone to be brushing twice daily and use interdental brushes or floss.
By following our advice you increase your chances of having strong teeth and gums, as well as a brilliant smile, that last a lifetime.
The Process
Any hard tartar deposits are removed through a treatment called Scaling and Polishing.
Scaling is done by using a specially designed ultrasonic dental instrument to remove the deposits from your teeth and below the gum line. Once that is complete your Camlough Dental team member will polish your teeth with a non-abrasive agent that thoroughly cleans the entire tooth surface and between your teeth.
FAQs
Are there different kinds of gum disease?
There are two main types of gum disease. The earliest, and most common type, is called gingivitis, which is a general inflammation of the gums. The second, and the more serious type, is periodontal disease which infects the gums and the bone supporting the tooth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly.
Can gum disease be cured?
If we find gum disease during your checkup, we will thoroughly clean your teeth and create an oral hygiene routine specifically for you. Unfortunately, if we find periodontal disease, which is the more advanced form of gum disease, it can’t be ‘cured’ but we can aim to maintain the disease and stop it from progressing further.
What happens if I don’t treat my gum disease?
Untreated gum disease will create strong acids that can destroy the fibres attached to your teeth and cause ‘pockets’ which are incredibly difficult to keep clean.
This buildup of acids can cause the following:
- Shrinking of the gums
- Bleeding, swollen, and painful gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Loss of bone supporting the tooth
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Abscesses
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Increased serious health risks such as cardiac issues, stroke, cancer and possible increase risk of dementia
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