An insidious, initially painless disease, that often goes unnoticed for years. It is the body’s response to the accumulation of plaque (a colourless sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened dental plaque) around the teeth. Without continuing care from a professional oral health provider, the bone around your teeth responds to this increased plaque and tartar by dissolving slowly away. This process may take years, however often by the time it is addressed it can be too late, expensive, or difficult to treat.
Who can get it? Gum disease occurs in almost fifty percent of the population over age thirty; increasing to over seventy percent in those over age sixty-five. Most people will experience a mild form however in some people it can be aggressive. Certain factors can put you at increased risk including:
- Diabetes - Age - Smoking - Stress - Genetics (yes gum disease can run in families!) - Some medications - Diet (particularly a lack of vitamins and minerals)
GINGIVITIS: This is early gum disease, it means that your gums are inflamed and showing the first warning signs of disease. At this stage it is fully reversible with professional treatment and a good oral hygiene regime.
PERIODONTITIS: Irreversible destruction of the boney support of the teeth has occurred with potential to lead to tooth mobility and loss as a result. With the loss of bone the gum shrinks back away from the teeth causing them to look elongated (hence the expression “long in the tooth”). Gum disease can also cause halitosis or ‘bad breath’ as the disease causing bacteria release a distinctive smell.
Why is it important? - Potential for periodontal infection, tooth sensitivity, tooth mobility and loss - Aesthetic reasons (elongated teeth, Increased gaps between teeth also called ‘black triangles’) - Systemic health links; study shows oral biofilm increases your risk of heart disease, kidney and liver disease, Cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, infertility and, low birth weight babies.
How is it prevented/treated? At Townsend Family Dental, we have four dentists and an Oral Health Therapist (OHT). An Oral Health Therapist is a university-trained oral health professional whose expertise is in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.
Whilst regular brushing and flossing at home is vital for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums, 3-6 monthly cleans should also be an integral part of your oral care. At Townsend dental we use the EMS Airflow, a revolutionary and leading technology in the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
Disclose: We use a special dye that makes the invisible oral biofilm (the disease culprit) visible. Educate: We are passionate about oral health and helping you get the most out from us. Please know we are never judging you! your oral health provider will give you personalised tips and tool recommendations Remove: Using an antimicrobial powder we can remove up to 100% of biofilm and surface stain before tackling any remaining tartar build up using the tooth-friendly ultrasonic cleaner. Unlike standard machines, this uses warm water, great for patients with sensitive teeth. Recall: Your oral health provider will recommend the best recall interval for you based on your needs, typically this is 6 months, however, we may need additional appointments if it has been a long time since your last clean or if you have active periodontitis.
CLEAN TEETH = HEALTHY BODY
If you have any questions, please ask us. The team at Townsend Dental look forward to seeing you soon.
