Our dental team can assess gum health and provide treatment suited to your condition, or refer you to a specialist where needed.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, medically referred to as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that impacts the crucial support structures of our teeth, including gums, ligaments, and bones. This prevalent condition can manifest in varying degrees, from mild gum inflammation known as gingivitis to more severe damage involving tissues and bone, termed periodontitis.
Untreated gum disease may lead to tooth loss. See your dentist for assessment.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease can arise due to a combination of factors. Understanding these contributing elements is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Here are some of the primary causes of gum disease:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Insufficient or improper brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of plaque on teeth and along the gum line. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that attack the gums.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco, significantly increase the risk of gum disease. Smoking weakens the immune system’s ability to combat infections, making gum tissues more susceptible to bacterial attack.
Certain Medications
Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives, can affect gum health by causing an overgrowth of gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia) or reducing saliva flow, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Systemic Health Conditions
Medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and immune disorders can compromise gum health and increase susceptibility to gum disease.
Poor Nutrition
A diet lacking essential nutrients, particularly vitamin C, can impair the body’s ability to fight infections and heal gum tissues, contributing to gum disease.
Stress
Stress is one of several factors that may be associated with gum health. Ask your dentist or doctor for advice.
Our Health Funds
Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment at Mindarie Quinns Dental Centre
Our dental team treats all stages of gum disease, with treatment options tailored to help support your gum health.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Gum disease treatment aims to manage its progression. Here are some essential treatment options that dental professionals may recommend based on the severity and stage of gum disease:
Professional Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. These cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining overall oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing
This non-surgical procedure involves deep cleaning of the teeth and their root surfaces to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins. Scaling and root planing help reduce gum inflammation and promote gum reattachment to the tooth surfaces.
Gum Surgery
In more advanced cases of gum disease, surgical interventions may be necessary to address pockets of infection and restore damaged gum tissues. Gum surgery options include flap surgery, bone grafts, and tissue grafts.
Antibiotic Therapies
Antibiotics may be prescribed in various forms, such as oral antibiotics, antibiotic mouth rinses, or antibiotic gels applied directly to the affected areas. Antibiotics may be prescribed by a dentist or doctor where clinically appropriate.
Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting a healthier lifestyle, including quitting smoking, managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet, can significantly impact gum disease progression and improve overall oral health.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regular dental check-ups allow a dentist to monitor gum health and discuss a suitable review schedule. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits to closely manage the condition.
Personalised Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are part of general gum care.
Nutrition and Gum Health
Dietary choices and nutritional intake play a vital role in influencing gum health and overall oral well-being. What we eat directly impacts the health of our gums and teeth. Here are some ways in which nutrition can affect gum health:
- Foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and strawberries, are part of a balanced diet. Ask your dentist or doctor about nutrition.
- Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, which is necessary for strong teeth and bones. Foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.
- Dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified foods are excellent sources of calcium. Consuming enough calcium is essential for maintaining strong teeth and supporting the jawbone.
- Foods rich in antioxidants, like green tea, berries, and nuts, help reduce inflammation in the body, including the gums.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, have anti-inflammatory properties and can contribute to gum health.
Where to find us
Mindarie Quinns Dental Centre
Suite 3/10 Mindarie Drive
Quinns Rocks, Western Australia 6030
Tel:Â 08 9305 9990
Public Transport:
Public transport: The clinic is a 10-minute walk from Clarkson Station Stand 2 (Stop Number 21911), making it easy to reach by public transport.
