GUM DISEASE (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease describes a spectrum of conditions ranging from bleeding gums to severe bone loss around teeth. It not only affects the gum but also all the supporting ligaments as well as the jaw bone. It is a major cause of tooth loss in our community. Worst of all, most of us are not aware of gum disease until painful symptoms begin to show.
It begins with the build up of soft creamy plaque. Once plaque mixes with components of our own saliva, it begins to mineralise and form tartar. This is the hard rock like deposits which sit around your teeth and under the gum line. Once tartar forms, it is impossible to remove without the help of a dentist. These deposits encourage further build up, all the while continuing to irritate your gums.
As build up increases, the gums recede and shorten. If left long enough, the underlying bone sockets recede too. Eventually teeth will begin to move as there is no longer enough support for them.
Simple steps you can take to protect your gums include brushing and flossing. We will help by professionally cleaning your teeth to remove all the tartar, especially in hard to reach spots, every 6 months. Together we can work together to treat and prevent gum disease.
