When we admire landmarks or well-built historic buildings, it's easy to focus on the solid beauty of the stones which make up the walls. But what you might not notice is the crucial mortar that binds those blocks together and to their foundations. Without this joining material, even the broadest structure would break down under load and after years of wear and tear.
Your smile is put together just like a gorgeous monument, and your gums are what bind everything together. This is why you should seek treatment for gum disease in Brisbane as soon as you possibly can. At Edward St Dental, our mission is to provide you with comprehensive dental care that includes your gums.
What Is Gum Disease?
As a natural part of your diet, food debris nourishes bacteria that slowly build up in your mouth. If you neglect or have an inadequate brushing and flossing routine, that bacteria form a sticky layer called plaque on both your teeth and gums. While on a tooth, plaque leads to tooth decay and cavities. Plaque accumulation on your gums can lead to gum disease or periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, a condition that progresses painlessly. But you may find some other signs of gingivitis if you look carefully. We suggest you take note if you observe the following:
- Gums that are bright red in appearance
- Persistently bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Teeth that feel steadily looser
- Visible calculus built-up around where your teeth meet your gums
Once you have gum disease, even in the earliest stages, it will not go away on its own. The bacterial build-up is difficult to excise without proper care by a dental professional.
Gum Disease Treatments Available in Brisbane
The Edward St Dental Team, led by Dr Matthew Pulvirenti, will recommend a treatment procedure based on the stage of your gum disease. For example, for those with mild gingivitis, a professional clean may be sufficient to remove bacteria and restore your gums. Our team will then advise you on your home care routine so you may continue to prevent any more diseases.
If your gum disease is further along, our hygienist may need to perform a planing and scaling procedure. For this treatment, we first carefully remove the progressive accumulation of plaque, known as calculus or tartar. Then, our hygienist will plane your gums smooth to eliminate the pockets and areas that encourage future plaque build-up.
In rare cases where you have advanced gum disease, Dr Pulvirenti may refer you to an advanced periodontal professional who can offer a range of surgical and non-surgical options to treat you.
Do Saltwater Rinses Help Soothe Gums?
Saltwater rinses are a health care solution that goes back a thousand years or more. Historians have shown that cultures like the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all recognised the value of salt therapy in treating wounds, skin, and mouth sores. Hospitals still use concentrated saline solution for cleaning, in surgeries, optometry, and often intravenously.
As a mouth gargle, salt water is very effective in discouraging bacteria from reproducing as rapidly. For this reason, it has been known to heal mouth ulcers, canker sores and to have a positive impact on your gums. The recommended ratio of salt to water is approximately one teaspoon per 250ml. When you're done gargling, we suggest that you also rinse your mouth with clear water thoroughly to remove any salt residues as well as the bacteria the salt has extracted.
Gum Disease Can Be Reversed in Its Early Stages
One of the biggest reasons we emphasise the timely treatment of gum disease is that it is reversible if you catch it soon enough. We can solve surface bacterial build-up with physical removal procedures. Then, through your six-month exams and cleans, we can target your problem areas before they become the site of any new infection. But as the infection penetrates ever deeper into your gums, it becomes difficult to eliminate it completely.
Additionally, by resolving any gum infections, your immune system will be under less stress and more able to respond effectively if any new bacterial build-up occurs.
Gum Disease and Periodontitis Treatment in Brisbane
Our goal at Edward St Dental is to help you achieve life-long periodontal health. If you think you may have the symptoms of gum disease at any stage, we encourage you to contact us and start the process, which includes an exam, consultation, and the creation of a custom treatment plan tailored just for you. Call (07) 3221 5855 if you'd like to arrange a dental appointment in Brisbane and get on the road to better periodontal health.
