Healthy gums are the basis for healthy teeth. Research also shows that there is a link between gum problems and serious conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important to ensure that your gums remain healthy. You do this by adopting a good oral hygiene routine. Regular dental visits are also important for monitoring the health of your gums and teeth.
Prevention is better than cure
Inflamed gums look redand swollen and often easily bleed when brushing or eating. This early stage of gum inflammation is known as gingivitis. The trouble with gingivitis is that you can’t always diagnose it yourself. Because many people do not experience pain, they are not aware they have this condition. When left untreated, this inflammation can spread further to the jawbone. At this advanced stage, the condition is called periodontitis. Without treatment, periodontitis will weaken the jawbone causing it to break, and teeth become loose and fall out. It is therefore important that periodontitis is prevented or otherwise treated in time.
When to see a dentist
Arrange an appointment at our clinic as soon as you notice the following symptoms:
- The gums are red and swollen
- The gums are sensitive or painful when brushing your teeth
- The gums bleed when brushing teeth
- You have a metallic taste in your mouth
- You suffer from bad breath despite daily brushing
- Your teeth become more sensitive to temperature differences
- Teeth are looser or gaps begin to form
Many of these symptoms may be absent which makes periodontitis harder to self-diagnose. That is why it is very important to periodicallyvisit a dentist to discover any inflammation in good time.
Who is at risk of periodontitis?
People with poor oral hygiene are at the greatest risk of developing periodontitis. If you know someone in your family with periodontal disease, that may also increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Good oral hygiene is therefore of great importance.
Get effective treatment for periodontitis today
If you are suffering from any symptoms of gum disease, please visit our clinic today. We use the latest surgical and non-surgical procedures used to effectively treat all forms of gum disease. Our treatments, combined with a healthy lifestyle can reverse the effects of gum inflammation and prevent further damage to the gums and teeth.