Periodontal therapy in Mount Waverly
Periodontal or gum disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, is a slow-growing condition of the gum and bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause pain, infection, tooth loss and even worsen other systemic bodily conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. It is an entirely preventable disease, and the dentists at Syndal Dentistry at Mount Waverley, can help you advise on the right treatment.
What causes gum disease?
The leading cause of gum disease is a build-up of plaque and tartar, which contains bacteria. If plaque and tartar build up, especially below the gum line, the bacteria can cause gum inflammation and infection.
Other factors can contribute to or worsen gum disease, such as:
- Genetics - Gum disease often tends to run in families
- Smoking
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Heart disease
- Pregnancy - Changes in hormones make your gums more prone to bleeding
This is an important reminder that looking after your teeth and gums does play an important role in keeping the rest of your body healthy too, so here at Syndal Dentistry, we like to drum it in that prevention is key!
What are the tell-tale signs of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease symptoms can be challenging to understand in the gingivitis stage, but you may start noticing few or all of the following signs:
- Periodic toothaches
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding gums, especially when flossing or brushing
- Bad taste or bad breath in the mouth
- Receding gums - teeth may appear longer than before
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures or the way teeth fit together when biting down
You may still have gum disease even if you don't experience any symptoms. Gum disease may affect only a few teeth in some people, such as the molars. Only a certified periodontist or dentist can detect and monitor the progression of periodontitis. We recommend getting in touch with our dentist today for treatment!
How to treat gum disease
From a prevention point of view, professional cleaning every 6 months is paramount, as our dentists will be able to remove the plaque and tartar that sit underneath the gum lines that you might not be able to reach at home with your toothbrush.
For those already with active gum disease, periodontitis, in particular, we might suggest a ‘deep clean’, or a scale and root debridement, which involves cleaning well along the root surfaces of your teeth to remove the bacteria that is causing the gum inflammation.
And lastly but most importantly, is the prevention that you as a patient have to do at home - brushing and flossing. Our dentists will offer advice, teach and show you the most effective way to remove the plaque with your toothbrush and floss.
We are here to help you.
Don’t let periodontal disease steal your smile or your health. Please contact Syndal Dentistry to schedule an examination, cleaning, and periodontal therapy in Mount Waverley.
