Gum Disease Treatment at May St Dental Centre
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a growing problem. While your regular brushing and flossing reduce the risk of gum disease, it still can happen. By catching it early, we can ensure that it is treated with ease in our office. You won’t have to be referred to an outside specialist or worry about multiple appointments and long waiting times, as our experienced team can treat gum disease in-house.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
When plaque builds up on your teeth, particularly just under the gumline, it attracts bacteria and turns into a harder substance called tartar. Together, the bacteria and the tartar cause gum irritation, infection and destroy gum tissue and the underlying bone.
Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day using the proper techniques will remove much of the plaque on your teeth. Even the most stringent oral hygiene routine may, however, leave plaque behind, particularly when it hides under the gumline.
The best way to reduce the chances of having periodontal disease is to have professional dental cleanings done twice a year. Some other contributing factors to consider include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes and heart disease
- Dry mouth, often caused by prescription medication
- Reduced immunity
- Genetics
The most important step to take is booking an appointment. Our dentist will be able to determine the stage your gum disease is in and the damaged caused. Left untreated, the gum disease can spread and is linked to problems with overall health.
A mild form of gum disease can be treated with proper brushing and flossing and an antimicrobial mouthwash. If the gum disease is moderate to advanced, a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing is most appropriate. This treatment involves the removal of tartar that sits below the gum line and targets the areas bacteria usually gather.
The appropriate treatment for your gum disease will vary depending on how far your disease has progressed and any contributing factors such as hygiene and other health conditions. Some of the treatments recommended for gum disease include:
- An increased dedication to excellent oral hygiene
- Antimicrobial rinses and other products
- An antibiotic medication that is placed in the gum pockets
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
- Laser therapy
- Gum surgery
We will discuss your situation with you and recommend the treatment that we believe will be the most appropriate for your unique needs.
Is gum disease reversible?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
In its earliest stages, we can reverse gum disease by improving your hygiene routine and adding in an antimicrobial treatment. Once gum disease has progressed past a certain point, however, the disease is not reversible. We can still provide treatment that will stop the disease in its tracks and prevent further deterioration of your gum and bone tissue.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Coming in for regular cleanings with one of our excellent dental hygienists will help keep your gums in great shape, but what you do at home matters as well. Brush twice daily and floss every evening. Our hygienists will be happy to show you good brushing and flossing technique.
Other steps you can take to prevent gum disease include:
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
- Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- An antiseptic mouthwash may appropriate in some instances. We’ll be happy to discuss this with you.
- If you have a health condition that can affect your dental health such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, please let us know so that we can take extra steps to help keep your gums healthy.
Need a Consultation?
Contact us today to book an appointment for treating gum disease East Fremantle! We accept same-day appointments.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Our dentist will discuss all associated risks with the patient.
