What causes gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is primarily caused by bacterial plaque build-up along the gum line. Poor oral hygiene, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, allows plaque to accumulate, leading to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper into the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Other factors contributing to gum disease include smoking, certain medications, genetic predisposition, and conditions like diabetes. Regular dental check-ups and hygiene visits are crucial in preventing and managing gum disease.
Dental Hygiene Treatment
Dental hygiene is a treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and near the gum line, eliminating the build-up of bacteria and plaque. It is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Dental hygiene treatment is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. The benefits include:
Plaque removal: Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque build-up, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all food debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. Your dentist or hygienist using specialised dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging build-up – commonly referred to as a scale and polish.
Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at Gargrave dental practice can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
Deep cleanings are also provided for the treatment and management of gum disease. These cleanings focus on removing bacteria from beneath the gums, where they pose a serious threat to stability. Deep cleaning for gum disease is called root planing and scaling. Root planing is the process of gently removing debris from the surface of affected roots. After removing harmful substances, the roots are then scaled, or smoothed. The combination of treatments should decrease the size of pockets between the teeth and gums, and improve oral health.
The Symptoms Of Gum Disease
The chances are that at some point in your adult life, you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms while you brush your teeth or eat something very hot or cold. They’re incredibly common symptoms and because they’re common, they’re often overlooked or not taken seriously. If you experience any of the following:
Sensitive gums when brushing, drinking, or eating
Inflamed, swollen, red, or puffy gums
Gums that are receding from the bottom of your teeth
Loose teeth because of these receding gums
Bleeding when brushing or eating something coarse
We recommend booking an immediate appointment with your hygienist or dentist at Gargrave Dental.
