Periodontal Support

Prevention

At Brush 32 our primary focus is on disease prevention, which is fundamental in the management of oral health.

Through clinical intervention and education, our goal is to ensure the oral tissues and teeth are maintained and remain healthy in order to prevent dental disease, such as dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.

“Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable.”
— Bill Gates

Gingivitis, also known as early gum disease, is the most common form of periodontal disease. Luckily, with professional treatment and good at-home oral care it can be completely reversible and even prevented.

Gingivitis is usually associated with little or no discomfort and occurs when the gums become inflamed, appearing red, swollen and bleed easily.

This inflammatory process is in response to an excess of bacteria and the toxins they produce as a result of dental plaque and calculus (calcified plaque) build-up on the teeth and at the gum line.

Although the gums may be irritated and inflamed, no irreversible damage to the bone or other supporting tissues has occurred at this stage.

Gingivitis

Although plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, other contributing factors can include:

  • Hormonal changes

    Changes such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make the gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.

  • Illness

    Illnesses and diseases such as cancer, HIV and diabetes can interfere with the immune system, increasing the risk of developing some infections, including periodontal disease.

  • Medications

    Medications such as the anticonvulsant medication Dilantin and the anti-angina drug Procardia and Adalat can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.

  • Bad habits

    Smoking significantly reduces tissue repair and accelerates the progression of gum disease.

  • Poor oral hygiene habits

    Reduced brushing and flossing increases plaque and bacteria accumulation.

  • Family history of gum disease

    Family history can also be a contributing factor to the development of gingivitis.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is not treated or is unable to be controlled the inflammation progresses to periodontitis, a common chronic disease that affects at least 25% of the adult population.

Periodontitis is irreversible and is caused by dental plaque that contains destructive and pathogenic bacteria which release toxins. These toxins initiate the body’s immune response to destroy supporting tissues including the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone.

This destruction of supporting tissues causes an abnormal pocket or gap to form between the gums and the teeth. This then fills with more plaque, calculus, and bacteria. The infection increases which in-turn raises the risk of developing a periodontal abscess. The rate of bone destruction can also be increased.

If left untreated, periodontitis can result in the loss of teeth. However, with appropriate professional care the condition can usually be stabilised.

Genetic predisposition, diabetes and other factors such as smoking are major contributors to the risk of developing periodontitis, and these patients should have their gum health closely monitored.

Symptoms of periodontitis:

  • Bad breath odor (halitosis)

  • Bright red or reddish-purple gums

  • Shiny looking gums

  • Swollen looking gums

  • Spontaneous or easy bleeding gums

    (e.g. when flossing or brushing)

  • Gums that are tender when touched but are painless otherwise

  • Loose teeth

  • Gaps between the teeth and gums

  • Shifting and moving teeth

  • Yellow, brown green or white hard deposits on the teeth

  • Tooth sensitivity

Early symptoms of periodontitis are similar to gingivitis

Oral -systemic

Research has linked gum disease and chronic inflammation with complications in nearly every system in the body, including:

  • Heart disease/Cardiovascular disease

  • Stroke

  • Alzheimer’s disease

  • Pregnancy complication such as decreased birthweight and premature labor

  • Certain types of cancer

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Diabetes

Did you know… Maintaining your periodontal health helps to support your overall health!

It is well known that gum disease can cause a number of oral conditions such as bad breath, bone loss, loose teeth and tooth loss but did you know it can also be putting your general health at risk for disease?

  • Diabetes

    The relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease appears to be bidirectional, meaning that hyperglycaemia can reduce healing and contribute to gum disease, while periodontitis can affect glycemic stability and control.

  • Cardiovascular health

    Select bacteria can leak into blood vessels in the gums and travel to the heart. These bacteria can then incite inflammation in arteries, where if occluded, can cause a heart attack.

  • Joint health

    Bacteria known to cause oral inflammation has been linked to total body inflammation, which, combined with changes in a person's immunity, may result in chronic joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Pregnancy

    Some bacteria associated with gum disease have been shown to increase the risk of pre-term birth and decreased birth weight during pregnancy.

Ready to book your appointment with Brush 32?

Contact us today to book in your treatment, or if you have any questions about the dental services we offer.