Have you ever noticed that red colour in amongst the froth as you spit out your toothpaste?
That’s blood. That is not healthy.
You may have gingivitis. Or even periodontitis.
So what is the difference?
Gingivitis is normally present first prior to the onset of periodontitis.
In the early stages of gingivitis, bacterial build up, typically found in plaque and tar-tar, causes irritation to the gums, making them inflamed, bulbous and bleed easily when we brush our teeth. During this stage, fortunately, the surrounding structures of the tooth, such as the bone and the periodontal ligament, are unaffected. Gingivitis is a reversible condition. Once treated, we can have healthy gum tissues once again.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it may advance into periodontitis. The irreversible process of periodontitis occurs when the toxins and poisons produced by the bacteria, as well as the body’s enzymes, attempt to fight the infection – consequently, this response starts to break down the bone and periodontal ligament that hold the tooth in place. As the infection progresses, the bacteria destroys the bone supporting your tooth, to form deeper “pockets” underneath the gums. These larger spaces underneath the tooth accumulate more bacteria, which cannot be cleaned out with normal home care.
Unfortunately, this disease in asymptomatic, and nothing is known about this disease, until it is too late.
With time, more bone is destroyed until eventually the tooth becomes loose. Long term, this tooth will eventually need to be extracted.
Gum disease is currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
At Concord Dental Practice, we have a well established hygiene department which aims to identify and treat gingivitis and periodontitis before it’s too late. So to avoid tooth loss, call us now on 9743 4001 to book an appointment.