Gum disease is a prevalent condition that attacks the primary support system for your teeth, which is your gums and jawbone. When your soft tissues and bone become infected due to gum disease, your teeth are at risk for damage and eventual loss if you don't take action to treat it.
Here's how we help patients successfully manage gum diseases at Bell Hill Dental.
Gingivitis: The First Stage of Gum Disease
The first phase of gum disease is known as gingivitis, and it is marked by bleeding gums when you brush or floss, red and swollen gums, or chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with normal home care.
If we detect gingivitis early enough, you can often successfully treat it with a thorough professional teeth clean and some improvements to your home care routine. Some patients are even able to reverse gingivitis.
Periodontitis: Advanced Gum Disease
If you suffer from periodontitis, your gum disease has advanced, and you may notice tooth mobility, discomfort when chewing or eating, and gum recession.
For periodontitis, our dentists will recommend a deep clean called scaling and root planing that reaches below the gumline to target the plaque and tartar buildup that causes gum disease. They may also recommend antibiotic therapy to combat your infection, laser treatment to eliminate diseased tissues, or gum surgery in severe cases.
Laser dentistry in Dunedin combines the light and heat of the laser to target infected tissues and remove them without cutting them or harming healthy tissues. The laser sterilises the treated area, reduces bleeding and accelerates healing.
What If I Don’t Treat Periodontitis?
Ignoring periodontitis can have serious consequences for your oral and overall health. It can cause gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. But it doesn't stop there – periodontitis can also increase your risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Taking action and treating periodontitis is vital to protect your smile and well-being.
The Importance of Regular Dental Cleans for Oral Health
Your best defence against gum disease, besides a consistent and effective home care routine, is preventive teeth clean and check-ups with your Dunedin dentist every six months. We'll screen you for gum disease during your exams to catch it as early as possible when it's easiest to treat.
We welcome your call for a booking at Bell Hill Dental if it's time for your next preventive dental visit.
