Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontitis) is a bacterial infection of the gums and bone around teeth. It is often caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth and around the gums. The most common signs of gum disease are gums that are red, swollen, bleeding on gentle touch and bad breath. The general dental services offered by Dental Essence include preventing and treating gum disease.

Healthy gums are not inflamed so they appear pink and firm. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will disrupt the plaque build-up, so that your gums can remain good and healthy. However, regular tooth brushing does not remove tartar, which is the calcific deposit that forms around the gums.

Plaque and bacteria, if left around the gums, can cause gum irritation which results in inflammation, redness and swelling of the gums. This is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can be treated with just a normal routine clean to remove plaque and tartar above the gums. However prolonged lack of care and gum disease treatment will lead to a more advanced type of gum disease known as Periodontitis.

As periodontitis progresses, the tartar starts forming underneath the gums and starts causing bone loss around the gums and teeth. That is why it is imperative to remove the tartar that occurs underneath your gums with root planing (Professional gum cleaning underneath your gums), as a normal routine clean will not remove the infectious debris.

If gum disease is left untreated it could result in receding gums, bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bone loss and the possibility of losing teeth. This disease is slow and painless; it is often hereditary or heightened during pregnancy and is undetectable until a tooth is mobile.

New research has linked Periodontitis with other systemic diseases such as heart disease and stroke, smoking, diabetes and immune system disorders. Regular check-ups and cleans at our dental clinic is advisable as early intervention and treatment will ensure healthy teeth and gums.

Healthy Teeth & Gums / Gingivitis

Early Periodontitis / Advanced Periodontitis