Gum Disease Treatment in Parkwood, Queensland

Gum disease is the infection of the gums caused by bacteria. It is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults, and may lead to serious consequences when untreated.

Below are the stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis – This stage of gum disease can be treated. The gingiva, or the part of the gums around the base of a tooth, is irritated by the toxins produced by plaque and tartar buildup.

The gums swell, become dusky red, and bleed easily when brushing or flossing.

Periodontitis – The damage in this stage extends to the bone holding the teeth. Gum pockets form under the gumline. These pockets are formed as the gums recede. They trap food and plaque builds. The gums continue to recede and the pockets deepen, exposing the roots and making teeth loose.

Advanced periodontitis – The final stage of gum disease can’t be treated but can be managed to halt further damage. By this point, the bone holding the teeth is severely damaged and may even become visible in the mouth. The teeth are loose, affecting bite and chewing capacity and eventual tooth loss may occur.

A number of dental issues come with gum disease such as tooth sensitivity, bad breath, bite difficulty, and eventual tooth loss. Research studies also show that gum disease can be linked to lung infection and heart disease. The bacteria travel via the bloodstream to the other organs.

Below are the common causes of gum disease.

• Poor dental hygiene
• Smoking and lifestyle
• Hormonal changes and imbalances
• Medications
• Medical conditions (HIV, diabetes, cancer, etc.)

For gum disease to be successfully treated, timeliness is very important. Treatment is effective in the early stage of gum disease. Plaque and tartar are removed through professional cleaning. Deep cleaning is the cleaning of your teeth and pockets below the gumline. Personalised oral hygiene instructions will also be given for you to follow.

As gum disease worsens, only your dentist can help you manage the disease and halt further destruction.