Hygienist Services and Gum disease Treatment

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Learning you have gum disease can be distressing, especially if you have heard of the variety of health conditions associated with this chronic infection. The truth is that a good percentage of adults have gum disease. This process can begin so mildly that it is barely noticeable, but has the capability of progressing to the point of tooth loss.

If plaque is not successfully removed, the substance will eventually harden into tartar, which can only be removed in a dental office under the experience of your dentist or hygienist.

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, the main cause is the bacteria found in dental plaque, there are other important factors affecting the health of your gums such as smoking, Diabetes, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, medication and poor nutrition.
How to prevent it? Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life.

The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include: Smoking, Diabetes, Stress, Clenching and grinding teeth, Medication and Poor nutrition.

When gum tissue first becomes irritated by the colonization of bacteria at the gum line, they become inflamed. We call this gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease is difficult to detect. Gums may look swollen and red, but usually not to a large degree. One of the biggest indicators of gum disease is bleeding. Gingivitis affects only the gum tissue, and does not threaten the underlying bone that supports teeth.

If gingivitis is not detected nor treated, gum disease will progress into periodontitis, which translates into “inflammation around a tooth.” Periodontitis is more noticeable than gingivitis, with gum tissue pulling away from the teeth. The danger with gum recession is that pockets form, allowing bacteria to move into the area between the tooth root and the gums. As infection progresses, the body responds by beginning to break down the connective tissues and bone that keep teeth stabilized. If the disease process continues, the risk of losing teeth significantly increases.

The immediate importance of treating gum disease is to prevent tooth loss. However, treating gum disease will also decrease your risk factors of other systemic diseases. Though research is ongoing, we are steadily learning the significant role that gum disease, and the chronic inflammation it causes, plays in our overall health.

We at Muswell Hill Smile  will treat you with individual care. Our first priority is to prevent the onset of gum disease through early detection and excellent oral hygiene care. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, we will devise a treatment plan based on your precise needs.

Keep your smile healthy. Contact us to schedule your dental check up.