Blog Coburg Dental Group

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) occurs when bacteria start attacking the gums and the teeth.

In the early stages, patients suffer from mild gum bleeding and sensitivity. If left untreated, though, it could cause pain, inflammation and ultimately gum shrinkage and tooth loss. If you want to protect yourself from this tooth disease, you need to take a few preventive measures and watch for early signs.

Signs of Gum Disease Include

• Swollen and red gums that are tender to the touch
• Gums that bleed very easily
• The formation of pus in the area between the teeth and the gums
• Gum recession (shrinkage)
• Halitosis
• An increase in gaps between the teeth
• Teeth become more wobbly
• A change in bite

Causes of Gum Disease 

Neglected teeth become breeding grounds for bacteria. Plaque deposits on the teeth also contribute to bacterial formation. If plaque is not removed through routine oral care, it hardens and forms a thick layer known as tartar. Once tartar sits on your teeth for a prolonged period of time, it causes gum inflammation and conditions known as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis, put simply, is gum disease in a mild form. You can get rid of gingivitis by brushing regularly and flossing tiny particles away from your teeth. If you fail to treat gingivitis, you may end up developing periodontitis. This disease destroys your teeth and gums. You may develop pockets between the teeth and gums and this eventually leads to loss of teeth. Bacteria multiply rapidly and travel to the area below the gum line. They ultimately break down the bone and the tissues that hold the teeth in place.

Who Gets Periodontitis?

• People with a genetic disposition and those taking certain medications are more likely to suffer from gum disease.
• Middle aged or older people are likely to suffer from gum disease.
• Those who smoke or take medicines that inhibit the flow of saliva are more susceptible to periodontitis.
• Lastly, people suffering from diabetes and other immune-suppressing disorders like AIDS and cancer may develop gum disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best thing you could do to protect yourself from this disease is to brush and floss religiously. You should also visit your dentist twice a year if not more frequently for a routine cleaning and scaling procedure. The dentist will not only clear plaque and tartar deposits but he will also examine your mouth for signs of gum recession or inflammation.

If you’re genetically predisposed to periodontitis, make a few lifestyle changes to ensure your teeth remain healthy. This means cutting back on smoking and reducing your sugar and caffeine intake. If you tend to snack on a lot of sweet and sticky foods, brush your teeth after satisfying your craving and use a mouthwash to protect the enamel.

Teeth Cleaning in North Melbourne

If you’re looking for a certified dentist in Northcote, Brunswick, Preston or the neighbouring suburbs, visit Coburg Dental Care. We have the latest diagnostic and medical equipment to perform professional teeth cleaning. Our friendly and compassionate dental practitioners are highly experienced in general, preventive and cosmetic dentistry. So whether you’re looking for professional teeth whitening procedures or dental implants, you’ll find it all at our modern practice.

We offer interest free payment plans and children’s dental treatments under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Give us a call on 03 9386 1805 to book a teeth cleaning appointment or fill out an enquiry form online.