The common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums – gums should never bleed, even when brushing vigorously or using dental floss
• Loose teeth – caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone)
• New spacing between teeth
• Persistent bad breath – caused by bacteria in the mouth
• Pus around the teeth and gums – sign that there is an infection present
• Red and puffy gums – loss of gum around a tooth or teeth
• Tenderness or discomfort around teeth

The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth.   However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.

• Tobacco smoking or tobacco chewing
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Some types of medication such as steroids, types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Poor nutrition

At Burpengary Dental, we treat gum disease over a number of stages: STAGE 1: Removal of any build-up of plaque and calculus. This involves 2 – 4 appointments where our dentist will use both a vibrating ultrasonic cleaner and hand scalers to remove deposits of plaque and calculus on tooth roots and in deeper pockets beneath the gum line. A local anaesthetic is required to numb the teeth and gums being treated. STAGE 2: Education on how to improve oral hygiene including brushing and flossing techniques. STAGE 3: Reduction of smoking and dietary changes to improve the chances of a successful treatment. STAGE 4: A long-term treatment plan will be created. Preventative care appointments, depending on the extent of gum disease, will vary between 2 – 6 months and the gums will be monitored for improvement.  In severe cases where there is minimal improvement you will be referred to one of our associate specialists for further treatment.

Gum disease is very manageable by following these simple steps that only take 10 minutes twice a day:

• Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time and floss daily
• If you’re not sure whether you’re brushing or flossing properly, you can ask one of our dentists to show you the best techniques
• Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue (Be sure to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months – a worn-out toothbrush can injure your gums)
• Eat a healthy diet – avoid high sugar-content foods
• Do not smoke! (Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation and are very unhealthy for gums and teeth)
• Regular dental care is extremely important in helping to keep your mouth healthy (The dentists at Burpengary Dental can remove hardened plaque and any tartar that you’re not getting to with brushing or flossing.   Routine care, especially cleaning, should be done at least twice a year)

• Some discomfort during treatment, however local anaesthesia will be used to reduce this
• Gum tenderness – an extra soft toothbrush may be useful in this case
• Tooth sensitivity – however this reduces within a week of treatment
• Gum shrinkage over time