Healthy Gums

A healthy smile is a real asset, it gives you confidence to smile!  Healthy gums are pink and firm.  They contour and fit tightly around your teeth and do not bleed when you brush or use floss. 

Healthy gums don’t bleed!  Our gums are kept healthy by brushing twice daily and ensuring your brush is directed towards the gum margins.  Brushing thoroughly and regularly ensures the bacterial plaque is removed effectively and that your gums remain healthy.

Healthy teeth are strong and free from decay.  Twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and reduced sweetness and sugar in your diet ensures that you are doing the very best you can  to maintain good dental health.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease is common and is mostly preventable.  Bacterial plaque forms and collects around our teeth daily.  It particularly collects around the gum margins and causes irritation and inflammation and thereby bleeding gums.  This is termed gingivitis and is preventable with careful meticulous brushing and cleaning daily between your teeth.

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If left untreated, the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth may gradually be lost and in some cases this can lead to teeth becoming loose. The gradual loss of bone and ongoing inflammation is what is known as periodontal disease.  The progression of this disease can be slowed down through careful periodontal therapy and an excellent homecare routine.

Periodontal Disease and General Health

Some people experience severe periodontal disease.  We now know that several factors can impact the extent of disease you may experience. 

There is higher risk of developing periodontitis if patients are smokers, diabetic, experience stress or have a family history of the disease.

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Research has shown that there is a close connection between our dental and general health.  Patients who have heart conditions, diabetes and are taking certain drugs may experience increased periodontitis. 

By adopting good dental health practises you can greatly improve your general health and help to stabilise diabetes and heart conditions.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay or cavity formation is the result of bacterial plaque and sweetness in our diet.  Plaque accumulates in the grooves and pits of our teeth and between our teeth each day. 

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If not efficiently removed by brushing and interdental cleaning the bacteria combined with sugar create acids that can dissolve the tooth enamel and form a cavity.

It is crucial to do all we can to prevent decay through use of fluoride and prevention at home. It is strongly advised that you have regular checkups with you dentist to ensure you are decay free.