Red, swollen or bleeding gums?
Gum care is our top priority because your gums are the foundations for your teeth.
Gum disease is one of the most common preventable diseases affecting almost every individual at some stage in their lifetime.
It is characterised by two stages:
- gingivitis
- periodontisis
Gingivitis
Many of you may have experienced bleeding gums while you have been brushing or flossing. This is called gingivitis and is preventable and reversible. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. Commons signs of gingivitis include bleeding, redness, soreness and swelling.
Factors that contribute to gingivitis
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Aging
- Genetic predisposition
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Poor nutrition
- Other illness
- General poor oral hygiene
In most cases, starting a daily tooth brushing and flossing routine can stop gingivitis in its tracks.
If the buildup is left for an extended period of time, the bacteria can colonise and progress further into the next stage of gum disease – periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the irreversible destruction of the supporting structures holding your teeth in place. As the bacteria colonise, they produce pathogens which start to destroy the connective tissue and bone around the teeth. This can be localised to one tooth or can be generalised around the entire mouth. Once the tissue and bone are destroyed, it will not return. However, it is important to address and treat it in its early stages.
It is important for patients with periodontitis to regularly get their teeth checked and cleaned. In some patients, this has to happen every 3-4 months to stop the disease from progressing further. In addition to visiting the dentist for a regular cleaning, home care is just as important. Your dental healthcare professionals can advise you on the best way to look after your teeth if you are suffering from gum disease.
If you suspect or are worried you may have gum disease, please see your dental healthcare professional straight away as it is much easier to treat in its early stages.
Treatment
The main aim of treatment in patients with periodontitis is to arrest and stop the disease from progressing. As the bone shrinks away from the tooth, spaces between the tooth and the gum open up, allowing an area for bacteria to colonise.
This area is nearly impossible to clean sufficiently at home by yourself.
