Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is not always enough to keep gums healthy. Factors such as smoking and poor nutrition will weaken overall gum health, while certain medications, incorrect teeth brushing and plaque build-up will also add to the development of gum problems.
Preventative dentistry at Aesthetic Smiles provides patients with regular dental check-ups and screening for gum problems to ensure that patients receive the dental care they require for the maintenance of healthy gums.
Treatments such as professional teeth cleaning, scaling and polishing are a couple of methods currently available for the removal of plaque and tartar build-up from difficult-to-clean tooth grooves. The treatments are designed to prevent bacteria from colonising around gum pockets and areas where bacteria form. Clean and smooth tooth surfaces make it difficult for the plaque to attach and this in turn reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
At dental check-ups we will screen for gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis so as to provide early intervention.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is coupled with swelling and redness. Bleeding is usually present too and often occurs when eating or brushing. Other symptoms of gum disease include gum recession, abscesses and foul breath. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are both types of serious gum disease.
If left untreated gingivitis can result in the infection of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth and the periodontal ligament which supports the teeth within the jaw bone. As gingivitis worsens the tissue breaks down and causes the teeth to become loose. Infection then spreads to the root canals and teeth will gradually become looser if the condition is left untreated.
Treatment for Gum Problems
Regular dental cleaning and visits to the dentist are essential to maintain gum health. Your dentist can identify symptoms of gum problems that are invisible to you. It is therefore vital that patients attend regular dental appointments for proper assessment.
Where infection is present an antibiotic may be prescribed and root canal treatment can be necessary to remove infection from the pulp and tooth roots. A tooth restoration such as a crown or inlay may be provided to bolster tooth strength or in severe cases tooth extraction can be necessary. Other options for teeth replacement include dentures, bridges and dental implants.