Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an insidious condition because it often presents with no symptoms. If you notice blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, you might think this is normal. But the truth is that it could be a sign you have gum disease.
By the time people notice there is a problem, the disease may be too advanced to do much more than simply manage the condition. If no treatment is obtained, it might eventually lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease starts with a build-up of a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. It eventually hardens into calculus or tartar. Tartar can only be removed at your dentist with professional dental tools. When it isn’t removed, it can cause an infection in the gums.
Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing are some of the early signs of periodontal disease.
As the disease progresses, symptoms can start showing up in the following forms:
In its early stages, gum disease is called ‘gingivitis,’ and it can often be successfully treated by removing the build-up of tartar and a thorough cleaning of the teeth. Your dentist might recommend more frequent teeth cleans to keep the gingivitis from reoccurring.
More advanced gum disease, called ‘periodontitis,’ might involve a procedure called scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline.
It’s best to prevent periodontal disease from developing in the first place with good oral home care and biannual visits to the dentist for professional cleans. Poor oral hygiene and lifestyle habits such as smoking put people at a higher risk of developing the disease.
It should be noted that once the disease takes hold, it often cannot be reversed but only managed through regular deep cleanings.
If you’ve found yourself experiencing any dental trouble, we encourage you to get in touch with us at LN Dental. With years of experience in helping our patients restore their smile, we’re just the dental professionals to speak to about anything that is troubling you.
To get in touch, give us a call at (02) 9644 1499 or book an appointment today!
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