Regular examinations and cleaning treatments are vital in maintaining tooth and gum health, with early identification of disease enabling more minor treatments to be able to resolve the disease. The vast majority of people benefit from 6 monthly preventative examinations and cleans.
Gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding of the gums) and Periodontal disease (disease of the bone foundation and tooth ligament as well as the gum) are very common diseases of the mouth that are caused by bacterial build-up on the surface of the teeth next to the gums.
This build-up is often invisible to the naked eye, but can be easily seen when stained with disclosing solutions or tablets. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of early loss of teeth or implants.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease involving not only the gum around teeth, but also the ligament attaching the teeth in the socket and the bone socket itself. In more advanced disease, the gum will pull away from the tooth and the bone foundation will be destroyed, leading to loose teeth and eventual loss of teeth. Periodontal disease is often symptomless to the patient. Some patients may be aware of redness and bleeding or sore gums, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath (halitosis) or loose teeth.
Untreated chronic periodontal disease and dental infections have been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Please see our patient information section for more details on maintaining gum health.