Gum disease or periodontal disease affects the supporting structures of the teeth including the gum, periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone. Gum disease mainly occurs as a result of poor dental hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth properly or floss between your teeth then food particles and bacteria linger in your mouth. They come together to create a sticky layer on the surface of your teeth known as plaque. Plaque quickly becomes home to millions of bacteria which are both good and bad. When there is too much bad bacteria in your mouth they release acids and toxins which damage your teeth and gums. These acids and toxins weaken the gum and create small pockets. More plaque and bacteria form within these pockets and cause gum disease. In its early stages gum disease is known as gingivitis. It affects the part of the gum around the teeth and causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms including redness, swollen gums, bleeding gums and bad breath.
It is important that as soon as you notice any of these symptoms you speak to your dentist or search for a dentist near me Coorparoo so that they can advise how you need to adapt your dental hygiene routine, and carry out a deep clean so that plaque is removed from your teeth and below your gum line so that your gums can recover and return back to their original state. If you are scared of the dentist or worried that your gums are quite badly affected and the treatment may be painful then you need to search for laser dental treatment at a dentist near me Coorparoo. Laser dental treatment is minimally invasive and can be used to treat and reverse the signs of gingivitis.
Other factors which are responsible for an increased chance of developing gum disease include smoking, chewing tobacco, poor nutrition, obesity and other medical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, HIV, AIDS and certain cancers such as leukaemia. Certain medications can also increase your chance of developing gum disease, as can hormonal changes in the body during different stages of life for example, pregnancy. Gum disease is very common during pregnancy so it is important that you visit your dentist more often during this time.
Periodontitis
If you continue to avoid the dentist then gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth allowing bacteria to damage further gum tissue but also the alveolar bone. When this happens your teeth will start becoming wobbly and you can start to lose your teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the main causes of tooth loss in adults in Australia but if you search for a dentist near me Coorparoo you will find out that most of the time tooth loss can be avoided. With laser dental treatment you will be able to address your issues with little or no discomfort and enjoy good gum health.
Healthy gums are vital for good dental health. If you want to retain your teeth for the rest of your life then you need to make sure that your gums are healthy. You need to visit the dentist on a regular basis, undergo regular professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and find out about the different laser dental treatments that are available for gingivitis and periodontitis. If you do develop periodontitis then it is important to note that this is a disease which can only be controlled, it cannot be treated completely. You need to maintain a lifelong relationship with your dentist, visiting regularly to make sure that the symptoms are not worsening and also for continued non surgical therapy or laser dental treatment where necessary.
Laser dental treatment is suitable for patients of all ages. It can be carried out on children, adults, and the elderly. It is a modern method of looking after your teeth and has many advantages in comparison to traditional dental treatment especially for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. Patients who suffer from gum disease are ideal candidates for laser dental treatment. Traditional dental treatment can cause a lot of bleeding when treating gum disease whereas with laser dental treatment this can be carried out with minimal bleeding, minimal pain or discomfort and even no need for anaesthetic. With laser dental treatment there is very little recovery time, little or no need for painkillers and significantly less risk of infections. With such advantages it is time that you speak to your dentist and find out more about laser dental treatment and how it can help you look after your gums. Speak to your dentist today and book an appointment.
