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Gum disease

Gums play a major role not only in your dental health, but in your overall well-being. A combination of plaque (a sticky, colourless coating) and bacteria forms on your teeth, and if left, hardens or calcifies to cause calculus. This calcified substance can only be professionally removed through a clean and polish.

In many instances, swollen and bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. However, there are a number of other factors that could be causing your gum problems which can lead to periodontitis; these symptoms are detailed below.

your gums may have one or more of these symptoms...

  • Bleeding
  • Red
  • Painful or sore
  • Swollen 
  • Puffy
  • Receding
  • Bad breath
  • Loose, wobbly teeth
  • Advanced gum disease causes the loss of teeth

TWO TYPES OF GUM DISEASE

GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease which typically causes bleeding gums but is not painful. Gums can bleed when brushing and this could be a one-off, or it may happen every time you brush your teeth. Usually it is caused by not brushing your teeth correctly with a toothbrush or inbetween your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Plaque increases in the mouth, and if this is not removed, it will harden to form calculus.

PERIODONTITIS

Periodontitis is the progression of gingivitis which has been left untreated. Bad bacteria proliferate under the gum line, which destroys the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place. Usually the first sign a person knows they have a problem is when a tooth becomes loose or falls out. This is the end stage of gum disease unfortunately. At this stage it is crucial for you to be seen to avoid losing more teeth, although it would be best if we can see you before you have a loose tooth.

Gum disease solutions

Gingivitis can easily be prevented with regular twice-daily brushing and flossing. Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and we would strongly recommend you to quit for your general and dental health. Regular checkups with our dentist and hygienist will remove any calculus that cannot be removed by toothbrushing. This will significantly reduce the chance of gingivitis progressing into periodontitis.

WHAT DOES A HYGIENIST DO?

Hygienists help to educate and inform our patients if they have gum disease, its management and home care routine. Stabilisation to prevent progression of gum disease is key. 

Gum disease is treated by removing the hardened plaque (calculus) from your teeth. If you imagine the hull of a boat under water can grow barnacles on it, this is similar to how calculus grows on tooth roots. If you remove the barnacles from the boat's hull to leave it smooth, it will take a lot longer for the barnacles to re-grow. It is similar for calculus. Once our hygienist has removed the calculus with hand scalers and ultrasonics, this leaves smooth tooth roots, allowing optimal oral hygiene with interdental brushes and toothbrushing. An air polisher can be used to remove stains too.

Gum disease can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild cases can be treated usually in a 30 minute hygienist session for $129. Moderate-severe cases may require two 45 or a 60 minute appointment. Local anaesthetic is used if you have sensitive teeth.

Every patient is different, but with gum disease, there are a few key items we would recommend to reduce the bacterial load in your mouth causing gum disease.

  • A sonic-powered electric toothbrush can significantly improve your gum health by reducing the plaque load
  • Inter-dental brushes such as TePe's clean in between teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach 
  • Flossing cleans the tight contacts between teeth to prevent decay
  • Antibacterial mouth rinses are only recommended during 

Our hygienist will demonstrate how to correctly use and angle your toothbrush, interdental brushes and floss. If an ideal home-care regime is adopted, it is highly likely you will keep the majority of your teeth. 

Low-risk patients may require six-monthly or annual preventative maintenance cleans with our hygienist ($129).

REFERRAL TO A GUM DISEASE SPECIALIST

Sometimes your gum health has advanced significantly that it requires a referral to the gum disease specialist, John Whelan. He conveniently works out of the same building as the Gardens Dental team. He can provide non-surgical or surgical interventions to reduce the bacterial load in your mouth. Once your gum health has stabilised, it will require 4-6 monthly hygiene visits to keep the bacterial load at bay.

I had my first visit at Garden Dental today on recommendation from a friend. Fi made me feel very welcome and is super friendly and caring with a very down-to-earth yet professional manner. I felt quickly at ease which is just what you want when you visit the Dentist. Everyone at Gardens was in fact wonderful and friendly. I'm very happy and will definitely will be coming back :-) thanks again!!
Natalie Thompson  
I can not recomend Fiona and Vicki enough. Have always dreaded going to the dentist until these guys. Cannot stress how easy they made each appointment, they give the good drugs so you dont feel a thing. They are also lovely and friendly and always great at making you laugh. seriously cant recomend them enough : )
Ali Uden  
I have never felt so relaxed or happy about going to the dentist. Fi and Vicky are incredible and make me feel so at ease. I really wouldn’t go anywhere else!!
Sian Casserly  
What an absolutely refreshing change to go to a dentist and come out after an amazing, painless process. Have not regretted changing to Fiona and her team.
Steve Bolt  
One of the best dental experiences to date. Fi was fun and lighthearted which made for a pleasant appointment. Super gentle and checked in with me often to make sure I was ok. Can’t recommend her and her skills enough!!
Kristy Whitchelo  
Fi and Vicki you are honestly such a fantastic dental team. I have been visiting for many years now and can not speak any more highly of you both. You make my visits feel so relaxed that it doesn't feel like you are even at the dentist. Thank you girls for always looking after me, you are the best
Louise Fox  
Just recently had a cleaning & cavity filled by the lovely Fi from Gardens Dental. She is amazing and works wonders not only on your teeth but also to ensure you are comfortable and at ease during your time with her! Would highly recommend her to anyone needing a local dentist!
Jess Lowcher  
First review because I just wanted to say Fi and Vicky are honestly the best..so scared of dentists but they have made it the best experience ever. Very gentle, zero pain for multiple complicated procedures and don’t make you feel bad about not going to the dentist for ages ..they are super cool!
David Weaver  
Fiona is great to deal with and goes the extra mile, even ringing you in the evening to check that all is well. She is highly professional and a breath of fresh air. A thoroughly honest and approachable dentist.
Jez Rogers  
I had extensive work done on my lower teeth and a new top denture made. It was almost a fun experience.
Fi & Vicki are a great team, and their constant banter helped me to relax. They did so much to improve my smile and my self confidence. I highly recommend them both.
Helen Roberts