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Gum Disease Treatment Epping, Wollert, South Morang, Melbourne

Gum Disease Epping Northern Dental Design

Gum disease is an infection that stems from a buildup of plaque and bacteria on teeth and under the gums. It quickly spreads throughout the mouth and when left untreated can lead to more serious health issues as well as tooth loss.

Dr Zina Mahdi and our team at Northern Dental Design offer the best care available to help your mouth and gums heal. We encourage all of our patients to take advantage of regular dental checkups and cleanings to help prevent gum disease, but when life does get in the way, we can catch an infection early and begin healing.

Early intervention can save your teeth, but we can even help those whose gum disease has progressed. A thorough exam and evaluation will help us determine the best treatment plan for you.

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What is Gum Disease?

Also called periodontitis, gum disease results from bacteria and debris becoming trapped in between or around teeth. These pockets of bacteria can cause infection and health issues like gum bleeding. The following are some facts about gum disease:

Gingivitis is the first stage of the disease and is characterized by gum inflammation

Periodontitis is an early stage of gum disease resulting from bacteria and plaque buildup

Infection from gum disease can quickly spread from teeth to the gums and affect the jawbone

Smoking and vaping increase the risk of gum disease

When left unchecked, infection from teeth and gums can spread throughout the body and affect your heart, as well as other organs

Regular care and oral hygiene help prevent gum disease

Regular dental checkups can help with early intervention

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What Causes Gum Disease?

Northern Dental Design Epping Causes Gum Disease

Oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque that lead to gum disease. However, brushing may not always remove all bacteria, which is why we encourage our patients to have regular teeth cleanings and scaling. In addition, crooked teeth may have crevices and other areas that bacteria can hide, and brushing or flossing might not reach. Regular checkups can help identify these areas and keep them clean to prevent infection. But there are other risk factors for gum disease that are not so common.

Hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive allowing infection to more easily take over. Paying extra attention to oral health during stressful stages of your life is also important since stress can impact immunity and personal hygiene. Lastly, diabetes is a risk factor, so diligent oral care and checkups are important for those with this condition.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Northern Dental Design Epping Gum Disease

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Symptoms of Gum Disease

Learning the symptoms of gum disease can help you be proactive and protect your oral health. As with any disease, early intervention leads to easier and less costly treatment and can save your teeth. The following symptoms may be an indication that a dental checkup is needed:

Bleeding gums

Bad taste in your mouth

Foul breath

Swollen gums

Painful gums

Receding gums

Chewing pain

Loose teeth

Tooth loss

Body inflammation for an unknown reason

The Stages of Gum Disease

Knowing the different stages of gum disease can help you identify problems and be proactive. We know that sometimes dental visits can be difficult for some people due to location or budget, but we can help your visit be as stress-free as possible. The following guide describes the four stages of gum disease to help you identify problems.

Gingivitis is an early-stage infection that causes mild inflammation of the gums. Your guess may bleed while brushing and develop holes or pockets where bacteria can become trapped. Incorporate daily oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, along with flossing and mouthwash to help remove trapped debris. Using a water irrigation system can also help remove trapped food and bacteria to prevent further infection.

Early Stage Periodontitis is a result of deep pockets below the gum line and between teeth where bacteria can hide and lead to further infection. Gums may pull away from teeth, causing bad breath and bleeding gums. If left untreated, mild bone damage of the jaw may occur. This stage can be healed with dental treatment to remove the buildup of plaque, calculus (hardened plaque on the teeth) and infection. Dental cleaning with scaling and polishing can help remove the hardened calculus that brushing cannot.

Moderate Periodontitis is a more advanced infection that has spread throughout the gums, connective tissue and jawbone. It may lead to teeth becoming loose and formation of an abscess, or large, painful pocket of infection on the gum. This stage of infection may require professional teeth cleaning with scaling and possible soft tissue grafting to reinforce the gum tissue.

Advanced Periodontitis is a severe infection that has spread throughout the mouth and gums, deep into the gum line and jaw. Symptoms include bad breath, bleeding gums, receding gums, and drainage from the gums. This late stage of infection may require surgery for advanced tissue grafting.

If you recognise any of these symptoms, begin treatment right away. If you suspect moderate or advanced stage infection, call us right away to intervene. Limiting or stopping infection before it spreads throughout the body can protect you from heart disease and other health problems.

Treatment for Gum Disease

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Gum disease or periodontitis can often be treated without surgery. Early stages are responsive to early intervention and are often discovered during a routine dental exam. The more common treatments are as follows:

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Antibiotics are often prescribed to stop the infection. Your dentist may use a topical antibiotic, an oral medication or a combination of both. It is important to take this medication as prescribed to prevent further damage.

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Cleaning and scaling take place in the dentist’s office. During the appointment, your dentist or hygienist will remove bacteria that had hardened and stuck on your teeth. Special instruments are used to remove this tartar as regular brushing will not be able to.

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Root planing is a technique used to smooth rough surfaces on teeth that occur due to infection. Subgingival bacteria is removed as well as a calcified film that forms over the tooth root.

More advanced stages of periodontitis require surgery such as:

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Flap surgery

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Soft tissue grafting

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Bone grafting

Call Today

If you suspect you have gum disease, call today and schedule a visit. Our team of dental professionals can help alleviate pain, repair damage and put your mouth on the path to healing.

Call Today

If you suspect you have gum disease, call today and schedule a visit. Our team of dental professionals can help alleviate pain, repair damage and put your mouth on the path to healing.

Book Now

Call Us

Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.