Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a common but preventable chronic condition caused by plaque bacteria. It not only affects the gums, but also the bone that holds and supports the teeth, this can cause the teeth to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
Periodontal disease occurs due to inconsistent brushing, inadequate technique or lack of flossing.
Periodontal disease starts with inflamed, irritated gums which bleed, this occurs due to plaque producing toxins which irritate the gums – the first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis.
As bacteria migrate under and below the gum line a ‘pocket’ is formed which traps plaque. Plaque destroys the fibres and bone holding the teeth in place, over time these bacteria continue to migrate down the root of the tooth. As bone is destroyed, there is less structure holding the tooth in place and loosening occurs, as the bone is destroyed the gums follow and recede giving the teeth a ‘longer’ appearance.
Gum disease treatment
Early stages of gum disease can improve with proper brushing and flossing, good oral health will help plaque from building up.
A professional cleaning is the only way to remove plaque that has built up and hardened into ‘calculus’ – this is known as a scale and clean.
If the gum condition is more severe, root planning procedures can be performed to ‘deep clean’ the tooth surface underneath the gums and remove all of the bacteria which cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush.
For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, Concord Dental Practice has a professional dental hygiene department to help with your treatment needs and concerns, for further information contact us on (02) 9743 4001.
