Gum Disease
There are many reasons why you may have gum disease i.e. diet; inadequate cleaning; smoking; medical; drugs related and genetic factors. Hence there are different degrees of this condition your dentist should go through with you individually about your causes and treatment options.
In brief gum disease is broken down into 2 forms:
i) Gingivitis (mild form of gum disease)
ii) Periodontitis (severe form of gum disease)
If bacterial plaque builds up around the gums and is not cleaned away within 24 hours inflammation; swelling; redness and bleeding can occur around the gums due to the bacteria being left (leading to gingivitis).
After several days if the bacteria are still not removed a pocket in the gum develops harboring more aggressive bacteria. If these bacteria are left for a longer period and are still not cleaned away more damaging conditions can develop. These include deeper gum pockets containing more harmful bacteria that can lead to loss of bone around the teeth and permanent loss of gum attachment to the associated tooth (periodontitis). Once bone and gum have been lost it can eventually lead to infection or mobility of the teeth if left.
The main factors that can accelerate this process are inadequate cleaning especially interdentally (between teeth); smoking; poorly controlled diabetes; certain medications; reduced immunity. Your dentist will evaluate you individual risks on examination.
Treatments will vary depending on your diagnosis
i) If no major gum disease is reported a scale and polish may be all that is needed with oral hygiene advice by your dentist or hygienist.
ii) If gum disease if noted a deep clean may be needed under local anaesthetic (whilst numbed) where the pockets of bacteria will be cleaned out and any hard plaque above and below the gum will be removed.
iii) If very severe gum disease you may need to be referred to see a gum specialist (periodontist) who may prescribe treatment and medication depending on the severity.
The key to controlling gum disease is trying your best to clean your teeth especially in between almost becoming fastidious about your regime. Generally if done well the gum disease process should become more stable and less detrimental.
In brief gum disease is broken down into 2 forms:
i) Gingivitis (mild form of gum disease)
ii) Periodontitis (severe form of gum disease)
If bacterial plaque builds up around the gums and is not cleaned away within 24 hours inflammation; swelling; redness and bleeding can occur around the gums due to the bacteria being left (leading to gingivitis).
After several days if the bacteria are still not removed a pocket in the gum develops harboring more aggressive bacteria. If these bacteria are left for a longer period and are still not cleaned away more damaging conditions can develop. These include deeper gum pockets containing more harmful bacteria that can lead to loss of bone around the teeth and permanent loss of gum attachment to the associated tooth (periodontitis). Once bone and gum have been lost it can eventually lead to infection or mobility of the teeth if left.
The main factors that can accelerate this process are inadequate cleaning especially interdentally (between teeth); smoking; poorly controlled diabetes; certain medications; reduced immunity. Your dentist will evaluate you individual risks on examination.
Treatments will vary depending on your diagnosis
i) If no major gum disease is reported a scale and polish may be all that is needed with oral hygiene advice by your dentist or hygienist.
ii) If gum disease if noted a deep clean may be needed under local anaesthetic (whilst numbed) where the pockets of bacteria will be cleaned out and any hard plaque above and below the gum will be removed.
iii) If very severe gum disease you may need to be referred to see a gum specialist (periodontist) who may prescribe treatment and medication depending on the severity.
The key to controlling gum disease is trying your best to clean your teeth especially in between almost becoming fastidious about your regime. Generally if done well the gum disease process should become more stable and less detrimental.