THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE

GUM DISEASE

Periodontal disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis) is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. This infection may be influenced not only by oral health factors but also by other diseases like diabetes or cardio-vascular diseases. Smoking, stress and genetic factors may also increase periodontal disease. If periodontal disease is left untreated it may lead to abscesses forming and also eventual tooth loss.

Gingivitis can be reversed with regular dental hygiene visits followed by improved oral home care regime by the patient. Since gingivitis does not usually cause particular discomfort, many patients don’t bother having regular hygiene appointments. Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks is a sign that gingivitis is progressing into the more serious form of gum disease periodontitis.

Periodontitis affects the area around the roots of the teeth. This causes the gums and finally the bone to separate from the teeth, so teeth become loose and painful abscesses can form pockets at the apex of the teeth or between the roots of molars. At this point antibiotics are often required to eliminate the infection, and long term the only remedy is to extract the teeth, meaning that the use of dentures is the only aesthetic option. Most adults over 40 suffer from some form of periodontal disease, and regular dental hygiene visits with effective scaling and polishing is the best preventive method. If a tooth is lost, then the bone surrounding the remaining teeth is resorped, meaning that some supporting bone around the remaining teeth is lost. Placing an implant immediately following a tooth extraction can eliminate the loss of bone through resorption. Call us for a free implant consultation.

Plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, and these deposits put your dental health at risk. When plaque remains on the teeth for a prolonged period it hardens into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Tartar (hard calculus) is removed by our hygienists using Ultrasonic Scalers.

ULTRASONIC SCALING is the fastest, most effective and least painful method of removing these deposits of tartar that will be present if de-scaling isn’t done regularly. If these deposits of plaque and tartar which contain bacteria are not regularly removed by professional means and with good oral health care, an inflammation of the gums may be the result. Patients will notice that the gums are red, may be swollen and bleed easily. This early form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis.

AIR-FLOW apart from being faster is more comfortable for the patient than using conventional polishing brushes, cups and pastes, and it is far more effective, without being abrasive. A blast of air and water containing lemon flavoured sodium bicarbonate crystals removes plaque, and stains without pain. This innovative Swiss system is fast and very effective. Plaque, stains and softer deposits disappear quickly and painlessly - removing even the unsightly discolouration that occurs between the teeth. The ingredients are dispensed with precision and because the water is warmed prior to use sensitivity is reduced. You'll be surprised at how smooth your teeth feel after, and you'll be delighted by their brighter, lighter appearance. First impressions count and feeling good about yourself makes you more confident in your private and professional life. A white radiant smile reflects a zest for life, which will be noticed by your peers.

CAN GUM DISEASE BE CURED?

With the latest technology, gingivitis and periodontitis can be halted and even reversed. Under local anaesthesia a thorough removal on plaque and tartar that has formed above and below the gumline is first needed. Then an antibiotic solution is applied to the affected area that effectively kills the bacteria causing the problem. A laser light (Perio-Wave) is then applied to the affected tissue to ensure that it is free of infection. This treatment needs to be followed by regular dental hygiene appointments to ensure that good oral hygiene is maintained. Call us for a free Perio-Wave consultation. 

BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)

Halitosis is one of the main complaints from patients with periodontal disease is bad breath. The reason is that a number of bacteria that are related to gingivitis and periodontitis can produce hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol from substances that are present in the oral cavity, so it follows that curing periodontal disease can significantly reduce halitosis. Dental abscesses are also one of the main causes of bad breath, and these have been linked to heart disease. A simplest way to check for bad breath is to lick your wrist, wail 10-15 seconds and then smell your wrist; you will detect an odour if you have bad breath. Call us for a free breath consultation.

 

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