Gum Treatments (Periodontics)

Some symptoms that describe gum disease include swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Typically, the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.

Gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease if left untreated. Periodontal disease has many different variations that all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease becomes more prominent the bone attaching the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If left untreated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

Blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth is the first sign of gum disease. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.

The first thing to do is visit your dentist for a general check-up of your teeth and gums. A dentist can gauge the ‘cuff’ of gum around each tooth to see if there is any sign of periodontal disease. X-rays are also required to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment plan can be created. At Complete Smiles, we offer a General check-up, 2 X-Rays and a full Scale and Polish. Book an appointment today!

Periodontal disease cannot be cured. However, if you keep up the home care routines shown by your dentist, any further loss of bone will be very slow, and it may stop altogether. You must make sure you remove plaque every day and go for regular check-ups by the dentist and hygienist.

There are findings which support the theory that infections in the mouth can cause problems elsewhere in the body.

In people who have gum disease, bacteria from the mouth can get into the blood stream. This can cause fatty deposits to stick to the blood vessels of the heart, which in turn can cause blot clots. Blood clots can reduce normal blood flow and reduce the amount of oxygen being given to the heart. When bloody flow is significantly reduced, a heart attack may occur. People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease than those without gum disease.

Several studies have looked at the connection between mouth infection and strokes. Conclusions from which have shown that people who have gum disease are more likely to have a stroke than those who do not.

People with diabetes is more likely to have gum disease. People who have diabetics are more prone to other infections in general and as such People who do not know they have diabetes, or whose diabetes is not under control, are especially at risk. If you do have diabetes, it is important that any gum disease is diagnosed immediately because it can increase your blood sugar levels, putting you at risk of further diabetic complications. Also, if you are diabetic, you may find that you heal more slowly. If you have a problem with your gums, or have problems after visits to your dentist, discuss this with your dentist before dental treatment.

Pregnant woman who have gum disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is premature and with a low birth weight. Gum Disease raises the levels of the biological fluids that bring about labour. Research also suggests that women whose gum disease gets worse during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

Bacterial chest infections are thought to be caused by breathing in fine droplets from the throat and mouth into the lungs. This can cause infections such as pneumonia or could worsen an existing condition. People with gum disease have higher levels of bacteria in their mouths and may therefore be more likely to get chest infections.

A It is paramount that you tell your dentist about any changes to your general health. It is especially important to tell them if you are pregnant, have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or have ever had a stroke. These are usually identified during your pre check screening forms.

Although there is some evidence that gum disease runs in families, the main cause is the plaque which forms on the surface of your teeth. To prevent gum disease you need to ensure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day.

If you have gum disease, your dentist or hygienist will usually give your teeth a thorough clean to remove any scale or tartar. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist or hygienist. They will also show you how to effectively remove the soft plaque yourself, by cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly at home. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which forms on the teeth and gums every day. Gum disease is never cured. But as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught you can slow down its progress and even stop it all together. You must make sure you remove plaque every day, and go for regular check-ups with the dentist or hygienist, as often as they recommend.

Smoking can make gum disease worse. People who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque that leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking reduces the oxygen in your blood stream, so the infected gums do not heal. Smoking can also lead to tooth staining, more teeth lost because of gum disease, bad breath, and in more severe cases mouth cancer.