Gum Disease – the silent affliction

You would not live with a chronic eye or ear infection, would you? Yet 45% of the population over 65 years live with a chronic infection known as gum disease, or periodontitis.

Most people don’t realise they have this disease – but it is a serious, and very treatable, infection.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the infection can actually spread throughout the body.  Research shows that gum disease is associate with heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and even pre-term delivery in pregnancy. 

From these studies, it has been shown that men with gum disease are 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.  Very good reasons to take care of your gums.

The good news is that gum disease can be treated!

For years it was thought that the bacteria linked to gum disease was linked to other disease in the body.  Current research now shows that in fact it’s inflammation which is responsible for the link.  Therefore treating gum disease and the inflammation will not only help manage periodontal diseases, but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Gum disease is often silent.  That means that the symptoms may not actually appear until the disease has advanced to a more severe stage.

What are the warning signs?

•          Red, swollen, or tender gums – or other pain in your mouth
•          Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard food (don’t panic, some bleeding while flossing is ok)
•          Gums that are receding or pulling away from your teeth
•          Loose or separating teeth
•          Pus between your gums and teeth
•          Sores in your mouth
•          Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
•          A change to the way your teeth fit together in your mouth.

What is the treatment?

The treatment for gum disease depends on the severity. 

For starters, coming to see us at Taree Dental Care and having a full checkup with one of our dentists, is a great way to assess your gum health.

You can get your gums healthy again.  If you have mild to moderate gum disease, it can be treated simply with regular brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular check-ups with us including frequent dental cleanings.  It may also help to review your diet and lifestyle choices.  Quitting smoking would also go along way towards healthier gums.

With more severe cases, specific treatment is required.  The treatment can vary from sub gingival cleaning and in severe cases we may refer you to a periodontist for treatment of the infected area.

If a disease in your gums is not caught soon enough, sometimes it is necessary to replace natural teeth with implants, restorations, bridges, or even dentures.

And remember, gum disease IS preventable.  But lets catch it early.

If you are concerned in any way about the health of your gums, just call our caring dental team at Taree Dental Care on 6550 0960 or drop us an email info@tareedentalcare.com.au. 

Your teeth and gums are so important and we can help you to keep them in ship-shape.