When was the last time you flossed your teeth? Maybe it’s been a while, and you notice a bit of blood or pink in your toothpaste after brushing. Is this a point of concern? Maintaining your oral health might seem demanding at times, especially when life gets busy. Still, without consistent upkeep, patients can put themselves at higher risk for gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). In many cases, patients experience some minor but potentially alarming symptoms associated with a gum condition called gingivitis.
What You Should Know About Gum Disease
Many patients hear someone say ‘gum disease’ and may worry, but when it comes to gingivitis, we have plenty of options to treat and cure some incredibly common symptoms. When patients visit our dental practice here in Brisbane and undergo an oral screening, we can check for signs of gingivitis and periodontitis (both forms of gum disease), but how are these different?
- Gingivitis: A prevalent form of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, gingivitis develops from a lack of or insufficient cleaning of the teeth and gums and leads to irritation of the gums. Patients can treat and cure their symptoms of gingivitis through improved oral upkeep, professional cleaning by a dentist, and potential lifestyle changes (avoidance of tobacco products, diet, etc.).
- Periodontitis: When patients suffer from abnormally loose adult teeth, red, swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath, abscesses and other symptoms that indicate infection, they should get screened for periodontitis. However, treatable through cleaning and routine dental visits, this form of gum disease has no cure and can arise from extended neglect of oral health, causing bacterial infection in the gums. Depending on the severity, patients may need surgical treatments, scaling, or antibiotics to clean and remove the infection.
Symptoms Associated with Gingivitis
While so many patients suffer from gingivitis, what symptoms should they look out for? It’s important to distinguish some of these symptoms, as patients can start treating their symptoms at home if they expect gingivitis. Some simple indicators include:
- Tenderness in the gums
- Bad breath
- Gums with a dark red shade
- Swelling or puffiness in the gums
- Gum recession
If you wonder how to tell if their gingivitis is healing, patients should notice an improvement in the condition of their gums. Patients can also check in with their dentist to track progress and note any changes. At Alderley Dental in Brisbane, we stick with our patients every step of the way to ensure the stability of their oral health. If you’ve got questions about a condition or want to follow up post-procedure, please call us on (07) 3856 2144.
How Can I Develop Gum Disease?
Lack of cleaning and oral upkeep can cause gingivitis and periodontitis. Still, some other factors may contribute to gum disease and the associated symptoms:
- Changes in hormones
- Certain illnesses may include types of cancer, HIV, or even diabetes
- Some medications can increase the risk for gum disease
- Smoking proves detrimental to oral health and can significantly harm the gums
- Family genetics
Seeking the advice of a GP can help shed some light on your situation when it comes to your level of risk for gum disease and how the rest of the body relates to periodontal health.
Preventative Dentistry in Brisbane, QLD
When it comes to high-quality treatment for gingivitis in Australia, our staff at Alderley Dental hold up-to-date qualifications and rely on plenty of experience to successfully treat our patients. But what can you do to avoid gingivitis in the first place? Patients can avoid gingivitis and many other common conditions through preventative dental practices. The following preventive measures can positively impact patients’ oral health:
- Brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash daily
- Scheduling routine general dentistry visits in Brisbane
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Eating a diet that promotes good oral health
- Replace your toothbrush every three months
Through a combination of diligent cleaning at home and more thorough, professional cleaning by a dentist, patients can avoid plaque and tartar buildup, which keep the gums free of unwanted irritation. So, if you ever wonder ‘how to cure gum disease,’ starting with prevention can keep you in the clear!
Contact Our Friendly Dental Clinic in Brisbane
We warmly invite new and existing patients to contact our staff. We can quickly diagnose and treat gingivitis while providing plenty of information and advice on maintaining good oral health. If you feel concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing, please give us a call on (07) 3856 2144 or book online to get started!