Gum disease is more common than many people realise – and it often develops quietly. You might not feel pain at first, but untreated gum problems can lead to tooth loss and affect your overall health.
The good news is that gum disease is very treatable, especially when caught early. 在這裡，在微笑牙科, our focus is on stopping gum disease, restoring gum health and helping to protect your natural teeth for as long as possible.
What is gum disease?
牙齦疾病 (which is also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and the supporting structures around your teeth. It’s caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria along the gum line.
There are two main stages:
Gingivitis
This is the early stage of gum disease. Gums may look red or swollen and bleed when brushing or flossing. 通過專業治療和良好的家庭護理，牙齦炎通常是可逆的.
牙周炎
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. At this stage, 感染開始損害固定牙齒的骨骼和組織. This can lead to loose teeth and, 最終, tooth loss.
What are the common signs of gum disease?
Gum disease doesn’t always hurt, which is why it’s often missed. Some common warning signs include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- 牙齦變紅, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- 牙齦脫離牙齒
- Loose or shifting teeth
- 咬合時牙齒的配合方式會發生變化
If you notice any of these signs, 儘早向我們預約檢查非常重要.
Why does treating gum disease matter?
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. When your gums are affected by disease and left untreated, it can start to impact far more than just your mouth. Gum disease gradually weakens the support around your teeth, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
As the condition progresses, gums can begin to recede, making teeth appear longer and exposing sensitive areas of the tooth. This can cause ongoing discomfort and sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. Gum disease can also make chewing less comfortable, which may affect your diet and overall quality of life.
Beyond your mouth, untreated gum disease can impact your general health. Research has shown links between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, highlighting how important gum health is to your overall wellbeing.
Treating gum disease early helps stop these problems from developing or worsening. Early care protects your teeth, supports healthy gums, and helps maintain both your oral health and your general health in the long term.
How does Smile Dental tackle gum disease?
Our gum disease treatment is tailored to how advanced the condition is. Our goal is always to remove the infection, reduce any inflammation and help your gums to heal.
For early gum disease, a thorough professional clean might be all that’s needed. This removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line – areas you can’t reach with regular brushing. If gum disease has progressed, a deeper clean may be required.
This deep-clean removes bacteria and hardened plaque from beneath the gums and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach and heal. This is usually done over one or more visits and can be made comfortable with local anaesthetic if needed.
It’s worth noting, however, that gum disease requires ongoing management. Regular maintenance visits help to keep bacteria under control and prevent the condition from returning. We’ll recommend a schedule that suits your mouth the best.
What can I do to prevent gum disease in the first place?
In most cases, gum disease can be avoided. Regular dental check-ups and cleans, combined with good home care, can help prevent gum disease or catch it early before it becomes serious.
Good daily habits play a big role in gum health. During your appointment, our dentists will provide guidance around:
- Proper brushing techniques
- How to floss or use interdental brushes correctly
- Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lifestyle factors that affect gum health, such as smoking
If you’ve had gum disease before, ongoing care is especially important to keep it under control.