Gum Disease Gone: Preventative Care for Healthy Gums

Discover how to keep your gums healthy and your smile bright.

Gum Disease Gone: Preventative Care for Healthy Gums

Have you ever brushed your teeth and felt a twinge of pain or discomfort in your gums? You're certainly not alone if you do. Many millions worldwide, including thousands here in Sydney, share your experience with gum disease.

Many dental services Sydney boast of offering a wide range of preventive care options to help you maintain healthy gums and avoid the complications associated with gum disease.

Though gum disease can have adverse effects, it is preventable with proper care. This article delves deeper into the causes, symptoms, and dangers of gum diseases and provides you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your oral health.

Knowing the enemy: Gum disease explained.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums and the tissues surrounding the teeth. It starts with gingivitis, a mild gum inflammation, and ends with periodontitis, a severe type that breaks down the tissues that support the teeth.

Warning signs: When your gums are in trouble

  1. Red, swollen, or painful gums

  2. Bleeding in gums while brushing or flossing

  3. Bad breath

  4. Loosening of teeth

  5. Gum receding (gums pulling away from the teeth)

Gum disease culprits: What causes it?

Gum disease is caused mainly by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth. Failure to regularly remove plaque buildup allows it to turn to tartar, which irritates the gums and causes inflammation. Other factors include:

  1. Bad oral hygiene

  2. Smoking and tobacco usage

  3. Dry mouth

  4. Predisposing medications

  5. Systemic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, etc.)

The risks linked to gum disease

Gum disease is not a cosmetic issue; it can lead to profound problems in your oral and other health conditions. Problems resulting from gum disease are as follows:

  • Tooth Loss: When the tissues supporting teeth become damaged, teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.

  • Systemic health problems: Research has shown that gum disease is not restricted to the dental specialty but is associated with many systemic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. The bacteria and inflammation from gum disease can spread to other areas of the bootmaking. Take care of your teeth and important gums.

  • Preterm birth and low birth weight: Periodontal diseases will enhance the risk of delivering low birth weight preterm babies who are below 2.5 pounds.

Protecting your gums: Preventive measures.

To prevent gum disease, brush your teeth regularly, floss daily, and visit your dentist for check-ups and cleaning. Here is the right way to prevent gum disease:

  • Brush your teeth in the morning and before sleep with a soft hair brush and fluoride paste.

  • Daily flossing removes the film of bacteria and food particles that your brush cannot reach between your teeth.

  • Mouthwash: This is the liquid you use to rinse your mouth. They remove the bacterium which causes gum disease.

  • Go see your dentist, who shall examine your gum to find a sign of the disease and then professionally remove tartar.

  • Quit smoking: Smoking allows for the immune system to be compromised, and your body will have a more brutal time fighting the disease of the gums.

  • Manage stress: Stress can also weaken the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight diseases such as gum disease. Controlling stress also contributes to preventing gum disease and keeping the immune system strong so that you will not be easily affected by it.

Treatment strategies to restore gum health

If your dentist diagnoses gum disease, he will develop a tailored treatment plan to consider your needs. Treatment may encompass the following:

  • Scaling and root planing: This treatment removes tartar and plaque deposits from the teeth, making the root surfaces smooth. Many doctors opt for this treatment as the initial gum disease treatment, not even for mildly afflicted patients.

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics will be prescribed when infection has to be controlled. They exist as oral and topical pills directly placed into the gum pocket.

  • Gum surgery: In severe cases, gum surgery is conducted to allow for healing and repair of the gums and the surrounding tissues of the teeth. Such surgical operations include:

  • Gum grafting: A tissue from other areas of the mouth that is placed over the exposed root surfaces of the teeth.

  • Bone grafting: Replacing destroyed bone by gum disease

  • Periodontal flap surgery means benefiting from cleaning the bone underneath and roots.

Partnering with your dentist: Gum care

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease. Many dental services Sydney boasts of offering a wide range of preventive care services to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth. These services may include:

  • Professional cleanings can help eliminate plaque and tartar deposits leading to gum diseases.

  • Dental exams: They keep the dentist abreast of your health and let him address gum disease when its symptoms are tolerable.

  • Fluoride treatments: They strengthen teeth's enamel, making it harder for harmful bacteria to penetrate.

  • Sealants: Sealants are applied on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.

By taking up these preventive care services, you can avoid gum disease risk and sustain a healthy smile.

Conclusion

Gum disease is severe and has drastic implications on oral and general health. With proper hygiene in oral components, timely check-ups with your dentist, and lifestyle changes, one can prevent the disease from gum and keep on smiling with health.

This is because healthy gums help define a healthy smile. So, take care of your gums and avoid this gum disease.