Gum Care
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by the build-up of plaque. This results in swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums. However if the plaque has hardened you will need a Dentist to remove the build-up.
Periodontal disease
Is caused by bony defects and or bone loss where your teeth are held in place. As the bone weakens, pockets open up between the tooth and gum. These pockets catch bacteria and quicken bone loss, in severe cases this can lead to tooth loss.
Some symptoms of periodontal disease can be:
Bleeding and swollen gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Teeth drifting and gaps appearing between teeth
How do I treat it?
Treatment usually consists of a scale and clean followed by excellent oral care at home. Depending on its severity, the cleans may need to be done over a few appointments with the use of a local anaesthetic for comfort.
In severe cases a referral to a specialist will be made. In some scenarios we may not be able to save the tooth and an extraction will be required.