Revitalise Your Oral Health With Gum Disease Treatment in Harrisdale

Gum disease may not always cause pain, making it easy to go unnoticed and progress. So, to help you watch out for your gum health, here are some signs and symptoms to look for:

• Swelling and tenderness of the gums
• Bleeding gums, especially while brushing or flossing teeth
• Receding gums, or gums that pull away from the teeth
• Wobbly or loose teeth
• Changes in your bite or teeth alignment
• Sore tooth
• Difficulty eating because of painful chewing and biting
• Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Signs of infection, such as oozing pus between your teeth and gums

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking periodontitis treatment in Harrisdale as soon as possible is crucial to managing the disease and lowering your risk of further damage to your gums and teeth. Remember that gum disease can progress silently, so be vigilant for any sign of infection or soreness in your gums.

As we’ve mentioned, gum disease, or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial infections in the mouth. Several habits or risk factors can be the potential source of the collection of harmful bacteria and weakening of the gum tissues, including the following:

• Poor dental hygiene routine:
  Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of dental plaque. Unfortunately, this substance can harden over time and turn into tartar, the yellowish film that forms between teeth and gums. Both contain harmful bacteria that can infect the gums and cause periodontal disease.
  
  
• Dental health issues:
  Unaddressed tooth decay, dental abscesses, and impacted wisdom teeth are some dental problems that can contribute to gum disease.

Here are the potential risk factors:

• Smoking and tobacco products:
  Smokers are more prone to developing gum disease because the chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco products, such as nicotine and tar, can irritate the soft tissue.
  
  
• Hormonal imbalances:
  Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and menopause can make the gums more sensitive and heighten the risk of gum disease.
  
  
• Family history of gum disease:
  Individuals with a genetic predisposition to gingivitis and periodontitis are more likely to develop gum disease.
  
  
• Certain medications:
  The side effects of certain medications can cause dry mouth, which may increase the risk of gum disease and other dental health problems.

The two types of gum disease are the following:

• Gingivitis:
  The early stage of gum disease occurs when dental plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria, forms between teeth and gums. Common signs of gingivitis include swelling, redness, and easily bleeding gums. It can be reversed with early treatment from dental professionals and proper dental care at home.
  
  
• Periodontitis:
  When gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to the advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. This condition occurs when the supporting bones and soft tissues are irreversibly damaged. The gum starts to recede or pull away and create crevices between teeth. Food particles can become more easily trapped in those areas. Without proper dental treatment, it can worsen continually and result in advanced periodontitis, which can deteriorate bones and fibres, causing teeth to shift and loosen.

Treatment of gum disease involves a wide range of dental procedures. Dentists customise a treatment plan accordingly based on the severity of the condition. Here are the common non-surgical treatments:

• Professional dental cleaning:
  Dentists can include teeth cleaning to reduce plaque bacteria that build between teeth and gums. It is often recommended for the early stages of gum disease, or gingivitis.
  
  
• Scaling and root planing:
  A deep cleaning may be necessary to scrape away hardened plaque and tartar. This treatment cleans beyond your gumline, making it a more thorough cleaning procedure than a routine dental cleaning.
  
  
• Oral hygiene education:
  Your dentist will also provide essential tips on proper oral hygiene practices to help promote the healing of your gum health and prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.
  
  
• Medications:
  The dentist may prescribe you an antibiotic to control and alleviate the infection. We highly advise you to take the medication according to the given prescription for your safety.

Gum disease treatment should be tailored to your specific needs; hence, seeing a dental professional for a proper diagnosis is crucial. At Harrisdale Dental Centre, we offer high-quality gum infection treatment in Harrisdale. Our dental team is skilled in performing a comprehensive dental evaluation to create a personalised treatment to help alleviate your pain and heal your gums.

Gum infection treatment in Harrisdale is a generally efficient and safe procedure to manage gum disease. However, like any other medical treatment, some possible side effects and risks are worth knowing to help you make an informed decision and set expectations. This may include the following:

• Teeth sensitivity:
  After a periodontitis treatment, you may experience sensitivity or unpleasant discomfort in your teeth triggered by hot or cold foods and drinks.
  
  
• Minor bleeding:
  It’s common to have minor gum bleeding, particularly if you have undergone a deep cleaning or other invasive dental procedure.
  
  
• Discomfort:
  You may experience some discomfort after scaling and root planing, but it will be much less than you might fear.

It’s important to note that the benefits of gum disease treatment usually far outweigh these side effects, and they are only temporary and will improve after a few days. Your dentist at Harrisdale Dental Centre will take steps to minimise your risk of complications, and they will provide you with instructions on how to care for your gums and teeth following the treatment. If you experience any side effects or have concerns, we encourage you to contact your dental professional immediately.

Prevention is key to avoiding gum disease and the need for periodontitis treatment in Harrisdale. Let’s discuss some of the ways to keep your gums healthy:

• Practise good oral hygiene:
  Remember to brush your teeth twice daily to prevent the accumulation of plaque in your mouth. Flossing every day is also one of the ways to thoroughly clean between your teeth. It helps reach the tiny spaces that a toothbrush may not reach.
  
  
• Do mouth rinses:
  Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and rinse away any remaining debris in your mouth.
  
  
• Have a balanced diet:
  Eat healthily and choose food that is good for your teeth and body. This helps you strengthen your immune system and fight off bacteria and infections.
  
  
• Limit the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages:
  When sugar and acidic foods get mixed with your saliva and plaque, they can produce harmful acids that can slowly erode your teeth and gums.
  
  
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings:
  Visiting the dentist can improve your oral hygiene. Potential signs of dental problems can be detected early on and prevented from progressing. Also, the dentist can perform professional teeth cleanings to thoroughly reduce the amount of plaque, keeping your breath fresh and clean.
  
  
• Get dental treatment:
  If you have oral health problems, it’s important to seek treatment from the dentist right away. Avoid delaying, as it may only allow the issue to worsen and cause irreversible damage to your gums and overall dental health.
  
  
• Manage health conditions or bad habits:
  If you carry a risk factor, such as certain health conditions, are taking medications, or have bad habits that can contribute to the development of gum disease, we encourage you to consult a health care practitioner to help you receive preventive care and reduce such risks.
  
  
• Consult a dentist:
  Consider consulting with a dental health practitioner to get proper prevention methods based on your specific needs.

It depends on the severity of your gum disease. Some cases may experience recurrence after two to four months following treatment. The common reason is when patients do not follow recommended maintenance care and do not attend follow-up dental appointments. This is because the dentist cannot monitor the progress of the treatment and do the necessary further treatment. Smoking is also a potential reason for gum disease to recur. The chemicals found in cigarettes and tobacco products can weaken the gum tissues and immune system, making it harder for the gums to heal.

This is why it’s crucial to be consistent with good oral hygiene habits, visit the dentist as needed, and follow any recommendations for gum infection treatment in Harrisdale.

Private health funds may cover periodontitis treatment in Harrisdale under the major dental services category. A higher or additional dental cover may be necessary to use this dental cover. It’s essential to check with your health fund provider for your policy or health fund plan details.

They can help determine if you are eligible to claim dental cover for gum disease treatment. Some companies may require you to wait a certain period of time before you can make a claim or may have limits on the amount you can claim per year. Hence, it would help if you familiarise yourself so that you know what to expect.

Since gum disease treatment involves different dental procedures, the process will vary. Here’s what you may expect based on the treatment:

• Professional dental cleaning:
  The dentist will use specific dental tools, such as a dental scaler, to dislodge debris.
  
  
• Scaling and root planing:
  This procedure may involve the use of anaesthesia as the dentist cleans above and below the gum line (scaling) and smooths out the rough spots (root planing) on the teeth’s roots to provide a clean surface for the gums to reattach to your teeth.

If you need surgical treatment for your gum disease, you may ask the dentist about the details of the procedure to help you prepare for your appointment. In addition, following your gum disease treatment, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions for optimal healing. They may advise you to do the following:

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help clean your mouth and mitigate infection.
• Take a rest and avoid engaging in strenuous activities.
• Opt for soft foods during the initial days following a treatment to avoid stressing the gums.
• Avoid smoking.