Periodontics

heathy, confident, beautiful smile

Gingivitis and gum disease

At Twan Dental Clinic, we understand that your smile's foundation is just as important as the visible part of your teeth. Our periodontics services are dedicated to ensuring the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. Whether you're dealing with gum disease, require advanced gum treatment, or need advice on maintaining healthy gums, we are here to help.

Treatment of gum diseases

Treatment of gingivitis often requires professional tartar removal by a dentist or dental hygienist, combined with careful and good care of the teeth at home. In cases where you have very deep and hard-to-reach gum pockets, surgical treatment may be necessary to overcome the disease.

The simplest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is an inflammation of the gums created by bacteria. When you have gingivitis, the gums are swollen, red and bleed easily. If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into the more serious gum disease periodontitis.

Periodontitis, also known colloquially as tooth loss, is a bacterial disease that attacks the supporting tissues of the teeth (gums, dental ligaments). Pockets of gum develop around the tooth and in these pockets there is tartar stuck to the root of the tooth. The disease affects many adults after the age of 35-40 and is a chronic disease. Over time, the tissues that hold the tooth in place are destroyed and the tooth becomes mobile and can become loose.

Symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation that occurs when there is too much bacteria on the tooth (plaque) adjacent to the gum.

Tartar is calcified plaque, and since tartar is porous it is full of bacteria. Tartar cannot be brushed away and often increases the severity of the inflammation. If this bacterial coating is not removed, the gums will gradually recede

Do genes matter to the gums?

Some people are more prone to gingivitis and periodontitis than others. If you're unlucky, you may have a genetic component that puts you at a higher risk of tooth decay. Fortunately, almost all types of periodontitis can be treated despite genetic risk factors. Smoking, diabetes and diseases that affect the body's immune system also increase the risk of tooth decay and how this affects how quickly it develops and how difficult it is to treat.

A common symptom of gingivitis is red and swollen gums, which bleed easily when you brush your teeth. But the tooth can also be attacked without you noticing. Some people are not aware that they have periodontal disease until their teeth begin to move. It is therefore important to have regular check-ups with a dentist or dental hygienist.

How to prevent gingivitis?

Gingivitis can be prevented by removing what directly causes the disease; the bacterial coating. This can be done by:

  • Brush your teeth and use the correct brushing technique
  • Regular cleaning between the teeth with dental floss, toothpicks or interdental brushes.
  • Regular removal of bacterial deposits and tartar by the dentist or dental hygienist.
  • Choose the right tooth paste. Your tooth brushing methods and the points above are more important that the type of toothpaste. Choose the one that tastes best for you and your family.
  • Buy a toothbrush at the appropriate time. A brush used well and gently should last 3 to 4 months. If the bristles look like a bunch of flowers after two weeks then you are using too much force and will damage the teeth and surrounding structures. Some brushes have colour indicators that alert you when the brush needs replacing.
  • Use the Right toothbrush. Soft or medium bristles is a better choice than hard bristles,They should be strong enough to remove plague but not stiff enough to damage the teeth and gums when used properly.