Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease Treatment Greensborough

Do you suffer from swollen, tender or bleeding gums? You may be a victim of gum disease.

The early stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums that occurs usually as a result of bacterial infection. If gingivitis is left untreated, the consequences can be severe, as it can escalate into a more serious infection known as periodontitis (gum disease) as well as tooth loss. If left long enough, this condition can cause the gums to separate from the teeth. This separation can lead to soft tissue and bone injury, subsequently affecting the teeth that these structures support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common gum disease that can cause inflammation and discomfort. It’s often a result of not taking proper care of your teeth and gums. When plaque builds up, it can irritate your gums and lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, it can develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis, which may even result in tooth loss.

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with some simple steps. Make sure to brush your teeth regularly, floss daily, and visit your dentist for routine cleanings. By maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine and seeking professional care, you can keep your gums happy and prevent gingivitis from causing any further issues.

What happens during gum disease treatment?

Gum disease treatment involves professional cleaning, medication (if necessary), improved oral hygiene, and potential dental procedures like gum surgery. Regular follow-up visits are essential for ongoing maintenance. Early treatment and good oral hygiene are crucial in managing gum disease.

Is gum disease treatment painful?

Gum disease treatment is generally not too painful, but it can be a bit uncomfortable at times. During procedures like scaling and root planing, you might feel some sensitivity, but your dentist can use numbing agents to help ease any discomfort. If gum surgery is needed, you may experience some soreness afterwards, but over-the-counter pain medications can usually help. Just make sure to communicate openly with your dentist about any concerns or discomfort you have, so they can ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. Remember, treating gum disease is vital for your oral health and well-being.

I brush my teeth and use mouthwash constantly, but still have bad breath. What can I do?

If you are concerned about bad breath, you should book an appointment with your dentist. Bad breath is often embarrassing and could be warning you of deteriorating oral health.

Bad breath, even after brushing and mouthwash, can be caused by a number of factors. Also known as halitosis, the condition causes bacteria in the mouth to form and emit sulphur-like odours. Various foods and drinks such as coffee can influence bacterial growth and promote bad breath further.

Illnesses such as gall bladder dysfunction, liver disease, diabetes and sinus infections may influence bad breath despite good oral health regimes. Alternatively, if your bad breath is linked to other symptoms such as inflamed or sensitive gums, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, then it could be a warning sign of gum disease.

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What causes gum disease?

Despite what we can see, our gums actually attach to the teeth lower than the visible gum line edge. This leaves a small space, also known as “sulcus” where food has the ability to get trapped. If food particles are not removed from this space, they can lead to gum disease. Another known factor of gum disease is plaque. Plaque constantly forms on the surface of your teeth, and if left to its own devices, will harden, becoming what we call “tartar”. If plaque or tartar build-up extends below the gum line, it may also lead to a gum infection.

The following factors are known to influence the risk of gum disease:

Smoking or chewing tobacco
Some oral medications (for example: oral contraception, chemotherapy and steroids)
Poorly fitted dental appliances
Pregnancy
Patients with a compromised immunity (for example patients with HIV/AIDS, or diabetes)
Broken fillings

What should I look out for?

Some patients affected by gum disease may not even be aware they have contracted it. It is possible to contract gum disease and not display any symptoms. You should regularly check for and take note if you do notice any of the following symptoms:

Tender, red or swollen gums
Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
Receding gum line (gums that have pulled away from the teeth)
Pain when chewing, teeth sensitivity
Constantly bad breath, especially if odour is not impacted by brushing
Pus between teeth and gums

How do you diagnose and treat gum disease?

If you have noted any of the above symptoms and are concerned, contact G Dental on 03 9435 6063 to arrange an appointment as soon as possible. We will give you a thorough oral exam and discuss any concerns. During the exam, your gums will be probed with a small ruler to check for inflammation. This also measures any pockets around your teeth. Depending on the level of concern, you may be requested to obtain x-rays. This will alert us to any bone loss as a result of gum disease.

In order to treat and prevent gum disease, we insist on practicing proper oral hygiene daily. This includes regular brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. In order to treat gum disease, we may also recommend deep cleaning, antibiotic medications, and in severe cases surgery may be recommended. In order to prevent gum disease, you should see your dentist regularly for check-ups, even if you haven’t been experiencing discomfort. Regular check-ups include a thorough oral examination as well as a clean and scale — after all prevention is the key.