Milford Dentists Explain Why You Get Gum Disease

As Milford Dentist’s Andrea Clarke explains, gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, and begins with a plaque, creating a layer on the teeth called ‘biofilm’. The longer this plaque biofilm is left, the more ‘glued’ onto the tooth it becomes and the harder it is for people to remove it themselves. Without this bacterial Biofilm everybody would have healthy gums which is why keeping our teeth clean is critical to maintaining a healthy mouth.

A healthy mouth is attained with correct tooth brushing - at least twice a day for two minutes, flossing daily and the use of interdental brushes and a water pick. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease, and the end result of untreated periodontitis is the early or premature loss of teeth. After about the age of 18 years more people lose their teeth because of gum infection than because of tooth decay and they don’t usually 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 the blood stream, causing bacterial infections elsewhere such as in the blood vessels around the heart.

In a blog, written specifically on this subject, Andrea lists the signs of gum disease which are reproduced below, including gums that bleed easily when youo brush your teeth, gums that are red, inflamed or tender, persistent case of bad breath, constant bad tate in your mouth, and pus appearing between gums and teeth. Other signs are receding gums that make your teeth look longer, deep pockets surrounding gums and teeth  and a tooth or teeth becoming loose.

The good news is that, if the gum disease is detected in its early stage, it can be treated and reversed so for more information on tooth whitening, wisdom teeth removal and emergency dentistry please go to www.milforddentists.co.nz .