Gum Disease
Treatment
in Ellenbrook

Most people are unaware they have gum disease because it can exist without any symptoms. Gum disease can manifest itself in specific ways, including the following warning signs:

• Gums that are red, puffy, tender, or swollen
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums (“gummy smile”)
• Dark red gums or purple-red patches at the gum line
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• A bad taste in the mouth caused by pus oozing from gums
• Dental pain when chewing

The early stages of gingivitis can be reversed. However, untreated gingivitis increases the chance of acquiring respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Periodontal disease is also associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, premature birth in women, and low birth weight infants.

However, it is essential to note that while gum disease is associated with these health problems, it hasn’t been proven to cause them.

Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that causes gum inflammation. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum infection.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It causes inflammation of the gums, but it does not usually result in symptoms. It’s possible to have gingivitis and be completely unaware of it. It usually causes minor problems that come and go. The disorder is reversible through proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.

Periodontitis, or severe gum disease, is the more advanced stage of gum disease and leads to the progressive destruction of teeth’ supporting structures. It can cause gum damage and tooth loss. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the periodontium, the gum tissue and bone that anchors your teeth. This medical condition can cause teeth to loosen as it advances.

Routine scale and cleans are a type of periodontal procedure using specialised dental instruments to clean around the teeth and gums. Prophylaxis (polishing procedure) using a specialised cleaning paste at the end of a scale and clean helps keep teeth glossy and smooth, which helps keep bacteria away from the tooth and, therefore, helps keep the gums in great shape. It is the type of treatment option we would recommend for everybody, usually two times per year.

Beyond this routine procedure, different periodontal services can be helpful if you have more severe gum disease, including Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) and various gingival grafts or soft tissue grafts, which can be beneficial if you have experienced gum recession. These grafts help to regrow the gums, which can improve the appearance of your smile, as well as cover exposed tooth surfaces that would otherwise be quite sensitive.

Last but not least, the most important periodontal procedures of all are those performed at home! We recommend you brush your teeth every day – once in the morning and once at night. We can help you with simple ways to improve your daily dental hygiene routine, and it doesn’t take much time at all. We recommend a combination of floss, water flossers, and daily brushing for most patients as a reliable way to minimise the chances of unforeseen gum problems and tooth pain.