Gum disease may not sound serious but left unchecked it can have damaging effects on your teeth.
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a common condition affecting the visible surface of the tissue surrounding your teeth but can also extend to the roots, ligaments that connect the root to the bone, and the jaw itself. At this stage it is called periodontitis. Around 15 per cent of the population suffers from a significant degree of periodontitis, according to the Australian Dental Association.
Periodontitis affects the ligament and bone supporting the teeth. A pocket between the tooth and gum can develop, becoming a trap for bacteria and ultimately causing infection and tooth loss.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums bleeding when you brush your teeth
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Shifting or loose teeth.
In most cases gum disease can be arrested and further damage prevented.
Treatment includes:
- Home care: brushing and flossing
- Professional cleaning above and below the gum line
- Regular check-ups
- Eliminating risk factors such as smoking.
Since gum diseases advance over time it is critically important to have regular check-ups, especially as you get older.
Call our practice on (07) 3284 7112 to book an appointment in Clontarf with the expert team who know and understand dental care.
