Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontitis, commonly known as “gum disease”, is an advanced and destructive form of gum inflammation. A significant portion of the population are affected by this condition. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical not only to keep your teeth for life, but to save your life – as untreated gum disease has been reported to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature births in pregnancy.

The treatment of gum disease involves removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth, both above and below the gum line, and can be achieved with or without surgical treatment.

It is therefore important to practice good oral hygiene, which involves brushing twice a day, morning and night before going to bed, with a soft bristle brush to avoid brushing too hard and causing gum recession. Use circular movements with the toothbrush making sure you clean the gums and all tooth surfaces.

It is also important to get a thorough clean with your hygienist or dentist every six months, or in extreme cases, every three months to remove hard, stubborn tartar that forms under the gum line causing gum disease.

Interproximal cleaning means cleaning between the teeth. It is just as important as cleaning the main surfaces of the teeth and focuses on areas where the toothbrush cannot reach. After eating, plaque forms between the teeth where it can’t be seen. The most common way of interproximal cleaning is floss, flossettes and interdental brushes. Using these techniques carefully is an essential strategy to reducing the likelihood of gum disease.

During your visit at Newington Dental Care, we will help you improve your oral hygiene approach using simple steps that can be performed at home on a regular basis.