Gum Health and Protection
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place.
It is typically caused by inadequate brushing and flossing habits, which allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden.
It can cause diseases like sore and bleeding gums and subsequent tooth loss if not treated.
The Progression of Gum Disease: From Plaque to Periodontitis
1. Plaque: Starting Point
When saliva, food particles, and oral bacteria combine, a whitish, sticky substance called plaque forms on teeth. Plaque is responsible for most dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease.
Daily brushing and flossing are your first lines of defence against plaque buildup.
2. Tartar: A Hardened Culprit
If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, a calcified substance that clings to your teeth and below your gumline.
Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by regular brushing. Only a professional dental cleaning can effectively eliminate it.
3. Gingivitis: Early Stage
When gum disease first appears, it is called gingivitis. It causes the gums to swell and become red, and it can bleed, especially when you brush or floss.
Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with better oral hygiene habits and appropriate dental care.
4. Periodontitis: Advanced Stage
Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis if treatment is not received.
The gums pull away from the teeth at this stage, forming infected pockets. The infection and the toxins cause the body’s immune system to attack the bone and connective tissue anchoring the teeth.
This can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Recognising the symptoms of gum disease early can prevent its progression. Common signs include:
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath (halitosis) usually indicates a chronic condition.
- Bleeding Gums: Especially after brushing or flossing.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Inflammation is a hallmark of gum disease.
- Painful Chewing: Discomfort or sensitivity when eating.
- Receding Gums: Receding gums that appear to be loose and which are receding away from the teeth.
- Loose Teeth: One of the indications of periodontitis that involves the supporting tissues.
If you experience these signs, you should visit the dentist immediately.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
Gum diseases are mainly known to be prevented and managed by routine dental check-ups. To diagnose gum disease, your dentist will carry out an oral health check-up to determine the status of your gums. This may include:
- Visual Inspection: For signs of inflammation, tartar accumulation and retraction of gums.
- Probing: Measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth. Deeper pockets can indicate more severe gum disease.
- X-rays: If needed, determine bone loss around your teeth.
These routine checks help in diagnosing gum disease early, ensuring timely intervention.
How to Maintain Optimum Gum Health
Gum disease can be avoided by combining lifestyle modifications with proper oral hygiene habits. Your Cheltenham dentist recommends the following steps:
1. Brush Twice Daily
Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Remember to brush at the gum line, as plaque can always be left behind.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing is always an effective way to brush teeth properly because it eliminates food debris and plaque between the teeth and beneath the gums, which the toothbrush cannot access.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking is terrible for you, and it damages your body’s immune system and decreases the body’s ability to heal. Quitting can significantly lower your risk of gum disease.
4. Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings
To maintain proper oral hygiene, you need to see your dentist twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. These consultations enable your dentist to assess the condition of your gums and help manage plaque and tartar.
5. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A diet high in vitamins and minerals can help maintain healthy gums and strengthen your immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, are healthy.
Why Gum Health Matters for Overall Wellness
Maintaining good gum health isn’t just about keeping your smile intact. Research has shown that gum disease is linked to several systemic health issues, including:
- Heart Disease: Gum disease-induced inflammation raises the risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Diabetes: Blood sugar regulation may be hampered by gum disease, and vice versa.
- Respiratory Issues: Oral bacteria can enter the lungs and cause infections or worsen pre-existing diseases.
By taking care of your gums, you’re also protecting your overall health.
Optimum Dental Care in Cheltenham
Don’t put off getting care until your symptoms have gotten worse. See us today if you want to maintain good oral hygiene or see symptoms of gum disease.
Dentist On Warrigal Cheltenham aims to promote gum health and protection tips to patients from Cheltenham and the surrounding areas.
Visit your dentist in Cheltenham to learn more about your oral health condition and how we can improve it.
Call us at (03) 9583 5506 for dental concerns and enquiries or request an online
We are located at Suite C, 151 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.