Treating Gum Disease In Melbourne's CBD
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a superficial inflammation of the gums whereby they bleed, redden and swell due to bacteria in the mouth.
If Gingivitis is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to Periodontitis (gum disease), which has a more devastating effect on the mouth.
Periodontitis (Gum Disease)
Gum disease is a deeper infection of the gums resulting in loss of jaw bone and eventually tooth-loss. Like gingivitis, it presents with swollen and bleeding gums, however recession of the gums also occurs. Periodontal disease is often painless and patients may not realise it affects them.
Signs of Gingivitis and/or Periodontal disease can include any of the following:
- Bleeding gums
- Dark pink, red or purple gums
- Heavy calculus or tartar build-up on the teeth and below the gumline
- Receding gums and exposed tooth root
- Mobile teeth (teeth which can move)
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Painful gums – be careful as gum disease is usually painless, don’t wait!
Assessing & Treating Gum Problems
Research has shown relationships between active periodontal disease and many general health concerns.
Here at Dimos Dental and Facial Aesthetics, our highly qualified team of Oral Health Therapists (OHT) are your key to assessing, diagnosing, treating and managing gingivitis and gum disease. They utilise many different methods involved in assessing your gums, which includes but is not limited to the following procedures;
- X-rays
- Periodontal Charting/Probing
- Mobility assessment
- Bleeding assessment
The good news is that the effects of Gingivitis can be reversed, usually achieved with regular in-chair cleaning and adequate home care.
Unfortunately, the effects of Periodontal Disease are non-reversible. Gum Disease can only be controlled and well-managed; once the damage is done there is no going back.
The most important thing to understand about Gum Disease is that what is done at home is more important than what is achieved in the dental chair.
