Gum Disease Treatment
Protect your oral health
Effective treatment options are available to protect oral health and prevent further damage
Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. In Australia, it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Untreated periodontitis can seriously affect your oral and general health.
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. Plaque and tartar formation can result in gum inflammation which can lead to the onset of gingivitis. As the inflammation spreads into your gums, your risk of gum disease increases.
The support structures for your teeth include your gum tissue, ligaments and bone. If they are affected by gum inflammation over time, then they may not be able to support your tooth which puts you at a higher risk of losing your tooth. Chronic gum inflammation has been linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Just one of the following warning signs for gum disease, is reason enough to arrange for a check up with your dentist at Everyday Smiles:
- Puffed-up or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums from brushing or flossing
- Redness of the gums (as opposed to a healthy pinkish colour)
- Sensitive, sore or painful gums
- Receding or detached gums
- Loose or shifted teeth
- Mouth sores (or abscesses) with secretions
- Constant bad breath, as well as a bad odour and taste in your mouth
Types of gum disease treatment at Everyday Smiles:
Oral hygiene – Practicing good oral health care and hygiene at home are essential to help prevent gum disease. Your dentist can advise you on the most suitable oral care techniques and methods to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
Clean, scale and polish – Cleaning and scaling removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Polishing prevents the formation of new plaque and tartar. Your dentist can advise you on a personalised oral health and hygiene plan for you to follow at home, as well as the most appropriate oral health care products.
Root planing – For gum inflammation that has spread to the gum tissue that supports your teeth, root planing is a suitable dental treatment. Root planing removes bacteria, tartar and other causes of inflammation that occur below your gum line. Root planing treatment involves the use of a non-surgical, deep cleaning technique.
This treatment is a necessary component of periodontal treatment. Follow up appointments will usually be scheduled so your dentist can assess the effectiveness of treatment, and monitor the health of your gums.
Gum surgery – The gum surgery services of a periodontal specialist may be required if you have periodontitis at an advanced stage. Soft and hard gum tissue that has been damaged by gum inflammation or infection can be repaired and restored through gum surgery.