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Identifying Gum Disease Before It’s Too Late

by Apr 17, 2016Dental Article, Gum Disease

Identifying Gum Disease Before Its Too Late | Dentist Forster

Are you on this list or do you know how to identify the early signs and symptoms of gum disease?

When it comes to issues with your mouth and gums, gum disease (otherwise known as periodontal disease) is one of the more well-known diseases, yet it still manages to affect a large number of Australians every year. Are you on this list or do you know how to identify the early signs and symptoms of gum disease?

Gum disease and its effects are widespread, from simple inflammation of the gums right through to advanced stages which results in damage to the tissue and bone, as well as the potential loss of teeth.

At Forster Dental Centre, Dr Richard Oxenbould and his team are great believers in picking up issues early; this saves you time, money and pain down the line if the disease progresses too far. Our dentists are able to give you some hints and tips on what to look out for and how to prevent periodontal issues. If you are already suffering from gum issues our dental team is able to explain to you the dental treatments available as well as measures to stop the spread of the disease.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an issue that can take a long time to form. Plaque that is left on the teeth can harden to form tartar which is extremely difficult to remove without a proper cleaning by your dentist. The longer the plaque and tartar are left on the teeth, the more damaging it can become.

The bacteria that causes the build-up of plaque and tartar then causes an inflammation in the gums, otherwise known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease and can be reversed through regular brushing and flossing, combined with a regular clean by your dentist.

When gingivitis is ignored, it advances to periodontitis which is where the gums can move away from the teeth and cause pockets that can then become easily infected. The bacteria and toxins can only be fought off by your body for so long, and eventually, if not treated, the gums, bones and tissue that support the teeth can be destroyed.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

There are many signs and symptoms of gum disease, and while many of these won’t show up until you are in your 30’s and 40’s, our dental team will still check for these every time you come in for a check-up or clean.

If you have any of these symptoms:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Consistent bad breath
  • Gums that are tender or bleed
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums

the dentists at Forster Dental Centre can give you a thorough check-up and give you advice on managing any of these issues. If required, they will refer you for further treatment and procedures to give you the best chance of treating periodontalissues.

Dental Treatments for Periodontal Disease

The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable. Our dental team at Forster Dental Centre can offer you a range of dental treatments depending on how serious your case of periodontitis is, ranging from nonsurgical right through to surgical therapies.

The nonsurgical therapies Dr Richard Oxenbould and our team of dentists offer include dental cleaning and scaling, while they can refer you for surgical treatments such as soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, pocket surgery and bone surgery.

While there are effective treatments for gum issues, it is more effective to make regular ongoing appointments for general dental treatments such as cleaning and scaling.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

We’ve long known that daily brushing of your teeth is one of the best habits you can have, and it is also one of the most important preventions of Periodontitis. There are many ways to prevent a build-up of plaque and tartar including daily flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash daily and seeing your dentist regularly especially if you fall into the risk categories (age, smoker, diabetes and genetics), you should be making six monthly appointments with our dental team.

There are many ways you can prevent gum disease, and the dental team at Forster Dental Centre invite you in for a check-up and clean to ensure your gums are as healthy as possible.

Call Forster Dental Centre today on (02) 6555 5554(02) 6555 5554 to help prevent gum disease.

Forster dentist is also serving local communities in TuncurryPacific PalmsSmiths LakeHallidays PointFailfordOld BarNabiacTareeManning ValleyBulahdelahHarrington and Great Lakes.

Call us on (02) 6555 5554 to book your next appointment.

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