Gum Disease

What is Gum Disease?
Periodontitis or gum disease is a bacterial infection in the supporting structures of your teeth, i.e., the bone and gums. The infection leads to inflammation of the gums, and if not treated, this inflammation can progress and destroy the bone and soft tissue around your teeth, resulting in premature tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to gum disease.

What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. The presence of dental plaque, due to inefficient brushing and flossing techniques, cause the gums to become irritated, swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis is easily reversed with appropriate plaque control techniques and efficient, professional help. Rarely, Gingivitis can also occur as a consequence of systematic disease or dietary deficiencies.

What causes gum disease?
The bacteria within plaque deposits eliminate toxins. These toxins are able to activate your own protective cells so that they cause damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth.

What does a Periodontist do?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone a minimum of 4 years of additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases, both surgically and conservatively. Periodontists are also experts in replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Treatment modalities include: Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments, which are:

  • Gum Graft Surgery
  • Laser Treatment
  • Regenerative Procedures
  • Dental Crown Lengthening
  • Dental Implants
  • Pocket Reduction Procedures
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures

How Oral Health impacts your total health?
Research has recently proven what dentists have long suspected: that there is a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. Periodontal disease is characterised by inflammation of the gum tissue, presence of disease-causing bacteria and infection below the gum line. Infections and bacteria in the mouth can spread throughout the body and lead to a host of problematic health issues. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and reducing the progression of periodontal disease through treatment will have benefits beyond preventing gum disease and bone loss; it can also save you from the chance of developing another serious condition.

Periodontal Disease and Smoking
You are probably familiar with the links between smoking and lung disease, cancer and heart disease. Current studies have now linked periodontal disease with tobacco usage. These cases may be even more severe than those of non-users of tobacco. There is a greater incidence of calculus formation on your teeth, deeper pockets between the gums and teeth, as well as greater loss of the bone and fibres that hold teeth in your mouth. In addition, your chance of developing oral cancer increases dramatically. Chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine and tar slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment.