When you brush your teeth, do you ever notice your gums bleeding? Are your gums red and sore to the touch? If so, you may be suffering from gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth and infects your gum tissue.
Usually caused by poor dental hygiene habits, gum disease causes redness, swelling and bleeding gums. If left untreated, you could lose your teeth. So, how can you prevent this from happening to you, and what are your treatment options? Keep reading to learn more.
Preventing Gum Disease
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can help you maintain good oral and overall health. According to an article published in Medical News Today, gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers, making prevention even more critical.
Here are some prevention tips to follow:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes each time.
- Floss your teeth daily.
- Use mouthwash after you brush and floss to eliminate bacteria.
- Quit smoking.
- Visit your Charlestown dentist for regular check-ups and cleans.
Treatment Options Designed to Restore Your Gum’s Health
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dentist may recommend the following treatments:
Professional dental cleans—If you have gingivitis, your dentist or hygienist can remove harmful plaque and tartar to restore your gum health.
Scaling and root planing—This deep dental cleaning reaches beneath your gumline, removing plaque and tartar from the root’s surfaces. Then, any rough spots on your roots will be smoothed to prevent bacteria from reattaching.
For periodontal disease requiring more extensive treatment, we can refer you to a periodontist to explore further treatment options, which may include:
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Bone grafting
- Gum grafting
- Guided tissue regeneration
Questions about Your Oral Health in Charlestown, NSW?
We will happily assist you if you want to discuss your oral health with our dental team! At Charlestown Dental Care, we aim to help every patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. To arrange an appointment or ask a question, call us on (02) 4942 1633.
We look forward to your call.