How do I treat gum disease?

BEFORE GUM TREATMENT

 

 

BEFORE GUM TREATMENT

What is gum disease?

The dental name for gum disease is “periodontal disease”. Essentially, the structures which hold a tooth in place (jaw bone and gum) are broken down and recede. This can result in tooth loss. It is caused by the bad bacteria in plaque. Plaque consists of invisible food products which have not been brushed off or flossed from around the teeth and gums. 

“How do I treat my gum disease?” This is a common question on our patients’ minds when they present with any sort of gum problem. The first thing to remember is not to panic. Book a consultation with your dentist. As part of your dental check-up, your dentist will be checking for signs of gum disease. 

“How do I treat gum disease?”

Gum disease presents as a spectrum of disease. This means on one end of the scale a patient may present with minor gum issues and only require a simple hygiene scale and polish and oral hygiene instruction to rectify their problem. On the other end of the scale, a patient may present with advanced gum problem but hardly complain of any symptoms.

Your dentist may provide x-rays and photographs to demonstrate what is going on in your mouth.

The treatment of gum disease depends on the cause and its severity. Treatment may involve:

• Supragingival scaling: this is teeth cleaning above the gum level to get rid of the plaque and tartar (calculus).

• Subgingival scaling: this is teeth cleaning below the gum level to get rid of the plaque and tartar (calculus). Some patients may require numbing to ease the discomfort. We will make sure you’re well looked after and provide you with pain-free dental care.

• Oral hygiene instruction: we will show you how to keep your teeth clean

• Sometimes, you may need referral to a gum disease specialist (periodontist) if your gum condition is extremely advanced. You may need a more advanced surgical procedure.

• Cutting down on smoking.

DENTAL ADVICE- “How can I make sure my gums stay clean and healthy?” 

After the dentist has cleaned your teeth and given you the all-clear, the following is advised:

1. Brush 2-3 times a day. We recommend brushing using an electric toothbrush for about 4 minutes each time. 4 minutes sounds like a long time, but if you divide the mouth into 4 equal parts then that’s what is actually required.

2. Floss and/or use interdental brushes on a daily basis. We usually recommend to do this at night time, just before bed.

3. Use a soft bristled toothbrush.

4. Brush gently. If you brush too hard then you can actually wear away the protective enamel from the tooth. This may result in sensitivity.

5. Get a timer/clock in your bathroom to time you for 4 minutes each time you brush. You can also purchase electric toothbrushes which have in-built timers.

6. See your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning. You dentist should give you an indication when its best to return for your hygiene clean.

7. Ask your dentist if you are cleaning your teeth effectively. Don’t be shy to ask!

8. Bring your cleaning aids and ask your dental professional if the products are good enough to clean your teeth.

9. Ask your dentist to show you how you can better clean your teeth.

10. Cut down on your smoking.

11. Book an oral hygiene session with your dentist!

If your gum disease is advanced and your teeth need to be removed, then we have same day teeth options for you. This requires an advanced level consultation, but we are highly experienced in treating these types of situations. 

If you would like further information on gum disease or would like to book your consultation, please click here >>>> 

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