Gum Disease Treatment Kensington
Caring for and treating the gums and other supportive structures.
Periodontics is a specialised field of dentistry focused on the gums and supporting structures like the jawbone.
Gum disease if caught at the right time is easily treatable. However, if progressed too much and too long, can be harder to treat; if the gum goes, the tooth goes.
Some issues can be managed with good hygiene, others treated in the clinic, and more complex cases may be referred to a periodontist. During routine check-ups, your dentist examines your gums as closely as your teeth.
What is periodontics?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection affecting the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. The main cause is plaque, a sticky layer made up of food particles, saliva, and bacteria. Plaque builds up every day, and without proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental care, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar collects around the gumline and needs professional removal during a dental clean.
When plaque and tartar stay in place, the gums become inflamed and the bone around the teeth starts to break down. This stage is known as periodontitis. Advanced gum disease raises the risk of loose teeth and tooth loss. Research also links poor gum health with broader health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, because harmful bacteria from the gums are able to enter the bloodstream and place extra strain on the body.
Symptoms of periodontal disease
The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis does not usually cause pain, but there are some symptoms that may be present, including:
Bleeding gums
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bad breath
Gums that pull away from the teeth
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist or periodontist right away. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene at home.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is advanced periodontal disease, and can cause the following symptoms:
- Gums that are red, swollen, and tender
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- eventually tooth loss.
Treatment
The first step in treating periodontal disease is to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. This can be done by a dentist or dental hygienist. Scaling means scraping off the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planning gets rid of plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth.
After your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist or periodontist will check to see if the pockets between your teeth and gums have gotten deeper. If they have, you may need to have surgery to clean them out.
In some cases, periodontal disease can be treated with antibiotics. These can be taken by mouth or placed directly on the gums.
Prevention
Periodontal disease is preventable. You can help prevent periodontal disease by being aware of the risk factors:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between your teeth every day with floss or another interdental cleaner
- Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks
- Seeing your dentist or periodontist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups
If you have periodontal disease, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene at home and to see your dentist or periodontist regularly. With proper treatment, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What to expect from your periodontal appointment
If you suffer from gingivitis and want to reduce your infector, or you have periodontitis and you want to ensure you can manage your symptoms, you should consider speaking to a qualified Periodontist.
By speaking to our staff early, you can significantly improve and manage your oral health.
Frequently asked questions
Periodontitis is the advanced form of gingivitis, a disease where your gums become infected. Gingivitis and periodontitis come from poor oral health, such as not brushing and flossing well or often enough, and consuming a diet high in sugary foods and drinks.
While gingivitis can be reversed with good oral health and a professional clean from your dental hygienist, periodontitis cannot be reversed. Once the disease has reached this stage, it becomes about managing the symptoms and stopping it from getting worse.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment or medication that can ‘heal’ periodontal disease. Once you have it, your periodontist will help you to manage the symptoms through measures such as regular cleanings and flap surgery.
The best treatment for gum infection is good oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing, and avoiding a diet high in sugary foods and drinks. It is also important to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and further treatment options if needed.
A Periodontist is a specialist kind of dentist who focuses solely on the periodontal area of the mouth - the gums and jawbone beneath the gums. They perform a variety of treatments, from simple procedures such as removing plaque from teeth to implanting false teeth and doing gum grafts.
Their job is to ensure your gums are healthy and well enough to support your teeth and, therefore, your oral health overall.
Schedule your appointment today
Don’t let gum disease steal your smile.
With expert periodontal care at Tooth Heaven, you can protect your gums, preserve your teeth, and restore confidence in your oral health.
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward healthier gums.