Also known as gingivitis, gum disease is a common oral health issue that is, thankfully, easily preventable. Some symptoms that might indicate you’re suffering from gum disease include inflamed gums, bleeding or receding gums, and increased sensitivity. If you’re experiencing pain when brushing your teeth, this might also be a sign that you’re in need of treatment.
Aside from relieving any pain or discomfort you might be in, it is very important to treat gum disease because if left untreated it can lead to further issues. Gum disease affects the structures that support the teeth, which can contribute to infections and loose and wobbly teeth. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, which we want to try and prevent as much as possible.
Gum disease is best prevented through preventive care, which means rigorous and effective oral health care. This includes regular visits – we recommend once or twice a year – to have a professional clean.
At your dental appointment, we will help create and tailor an ongoing treatment plan. This is designed for both at-home care and here with us at the practice and is built around your own set of oral health care needs. We will ask you about your current at-home dental care routine, diet, and lifestyle and offer advice on how it could be improved for your particular situation. Our skilled professionals will thoroughly examine the gums and the structures that support the teeth. This is to help identify, prevent, protect, and in some cases treat them for gum disease. There will also be a full cleaning of the gums and teeth, and if your teeth and gums are sensitive we can provide this under local anaesthetic.