According to the Australian Health and Welfare, “about 2.7% of people aged 15-24 had gum disease when compared to 53.4% aged 65 and over. Moreover, one-quarter of men suffered gum disease compared to less than one-fifth of women. Good oral health is fundamental for both oral and overall health. Poor dental health, especially tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, affects many Australian adults and children. All dental diseases are preventable.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Swollen and bleeding gums are the signs that indicate your gum is infected with bacteria. If it is not treated, the infection will spread and destroys the tissues that support your teeth in the jawbone. Over time, your teeth can become loose, and you have to extract them. Poor oral hygiene is one of the significant causes of gum disease. Only half of the population in our country brushes their teeth twice a day, and it is contributing to gum disease and tooth decay. If gum disease is not treated, you’ll eventually lose all your teeth over time.
Gingivitis is the earlier stage of gum disease also called periodontal disease. The infection affects the gums and in more severe cases, all of the tissues can be affected. Various types of bacteria in dental plaque are the significant reasons that lead to gum disease.
Moreover, various studies link gum disease to a number of health issues, especially diabetes.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding, red, and swollen gums
- Bad Breath
- Tooth loss
- Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
If you experience any of these symptoms visit the dentist Balmain as early as possible.
What happens if you don’t treat gum disease?
While you may notice mild infection in your gums, if left untreated, it can lead to several issues, including bleeding and tender gums, receding gums, sensitivity in the teeth, pain, and lose teeth which can lead to tooth loss. Also, it affects the other surrounding teeth as well. Moreover, gum diseases have been linked to several health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. This is why it is essential to visit the Balmain dentist every six months. If gum disease is caught early it can be successfully treated.
How is gum disease treated?
The goal of the treatment will be to control the infection. The first line of treatment of gum disease includes in-depth cleaning. Unlike a regular cleaning, deep cleaning is done under the gum line using special instruments to clean the affected parts. The dentist will scrape off the tartar from the gum line, and when the surfaces of the roots of your teeth are smoothed out, it helps the gums reattach your tooth. You’ll be given antibiotics, antibiotic gel to fight against bacteria. If these treatments failed, the dentist Balmain would suggest flap surgery.
How to prevent gum disease?
Proper brushing and flossing are essential to reduce and prevent gum disease. However, regular dental cleaning is the key to remove tartar and plaque, which are the major causes of gum disease.
If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, visit the nearby dental clinic Balmain and consult the dentist.
