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Treating Gum Disease at Milford Dentists

Monday 27 July 2015, 2:31PM

By Beckie Wright

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AUCKLAND

In the final chapter of her series of articles on the importance of teeth cleaning, Andrea Clarke of Milford Dentists explains how she is often asked, “What is gum infection, and why does it happen?” She is also asked about why people’s gums bleed when they brush them. As Andrea describes, gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tooth supporting structures of our mouth i.e. our gums, the fibres that attach the tooth to the jaw bone (periodontal ligament) and the bone surrounding our teeth. Gum disease begins with plaque. Plaque is continually forming on our teeth, without our even knowing it. Plaque is a bacterial colony. This plaque formation creates a layer on our teeth called a Biofilm.

The longer this plaque biofilm is left, the more glued onto the tooth it becomes and the harder it is for us to remove it ourselves. Without this bacterial Biofilm everybody would have healthy gums. This is why keeping our teeth clean with correct tooth brushing - at least twice a day for two minutes, flossing daily and the use of interdental brushes and a water pick is critical to maintaining a healthy mouth. As Andrea goes on to elucidate, “Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. The end result of untreated periodontitis is the early or premature loss of teeth. After about the age of 18 years more, people loose teeth because of gum infection than because of tooth decay. People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Gum disease can usually be prevented by good and careful teeth cleaning and regular cleanings or scale and polishes with your dentist or hygienist. Gum disease is a threat to your oral health, and there is now evidence that this bacterial infection is a cause of heart / cardiovascular disease and other systemic problems distinct to the mouth. This is caused by these infectious bacteria getting into your blood stream and ‘finishing up’ causing bacterial infections elsewhere e.g. in your blood vessels around the heart.”

To help her patients recognise the symptoms of gum disease, Andrea lists the signs as follows:

1) Gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth, 2) Gums that are red, inflamed or tender, 3) Persistent case of bad breath, 4) Constant bad taste in your mouth, 4) Pus appears between gums and teeth, 5) Receding gums that make your teeth look longer, 6) Deep pockets surrounding gums and teeth, 7) A tooth or teeth becoming loose and 8) A change in your bite or teeth that don’t fit together well.

The good news is that, if the gum disease is detected on its early stage, it can be treated and reversed, so for more good news please visit the website at www.milforddentists.co.nz .