Gum disease, periodontitis and your general health
Over recent years, our understanding of the importance of oral health has grown. Your gums are not separate from the rest of your body, and research continues to explore the links between gum disease, periodontal health and general health and wellbeing.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues that support your teeth. It can range from early gum inflammation (gingivitis) to periodontitis, where the tissues and bone supporting the teeth can become damaged.
Research has found associations between periodontal disease and a number of health conditions, including:
- Heart and cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory conditions
- Kidney disease
- Some cancers
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
The relationship between periodontal disease and general health is complex, and research is still developing. Having gum disease does not necessarily mean that it will cause another health condition, but maintaining healthy gums is an important part of looking after your overall health.
At Forward Dental Care, if we notice signs such as bleeding, swollen or tender gums, we may recommend a series of appointments with our dental hygienists or a dentist with a special interest in periodontology (the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease). We'll work with you to understand what's happening and give you the tools and techniques you need to keep your gums healthy at home.
For many patients, regular hygiene and Guided Biofilm Therapy appointments can help support good oral hygiene and reinforce the techniques used at home.
Gum disease and your teeth
Healthy gums do much more than make your smile look good — they help protect the structures that keep your teeth in place.
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. The gums can become red, swollen and prone to bleeding, usually as a result of plaque and bacteria building up around the teeth. At this stage, the condition can often be improved with effective daily cleaning and professional support.
If gum disease progresses, it can develop into periodontitis. This is a more advanced form of periodontal disease, where inflammation can affect the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Over time, this can lead to loss of attachment, bone loss and, if left untreated, loose teeth or tooth loss.
Not everyone responds to bacteria in the same way. Genetics, smoking, diabetes and other factors can influence an individual's susceptibility to periodontal disease and how it progresses.
Periodontal treatment and how you can help
Daily cleaning
The most important part of managing gum health happens at home.
For most people, the basics are simple: toothbrush, TePe/interdental brush and toothpaste — the 3 T's.
The challenge is knowing exactly how and where to clean. At Forward Dental Care, we aim to coach you into effective, sustainable habits, rather than simply telling you to brush more.
Professional cleaning
Professional hygiene appointments can help remove plaque and deposits that are difficult to manage at home. Our hygienists can also help you understand which cleaning techniques and interdental aids are right for you.
We offer Guided Biofilm Therapy, a modern approach to professional biofilm management that can form part of your ongoing gum health care.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the important risk factors for periodontal disease and can make gum disease more difficult to manage. If you smoke, we'll discuss this with you without judgement and can help you understand how it may be affecting your oral health.
Other risk factors
Periodontal disease is influenced by more than just oral hygiene. Genetics, diabetes, certain medications and other health factors can affect how your gums respond to bacteria.
This is why periodontal care isn't one-size-fits-all. Your treatment will depend on the condition of your gums, your individual risk factors and how your disease responds over time.
Periodontal treatment at Forward Dental Care
At Forward Dental Care, we have dentists with a special interest in periodontology, alongside our team of experienced dental hygienists.
If you're experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, sensitivity, bad breath, loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth feel, we'd recommend getting them checked.
The earlier periodontal disease is identified, the sooner we can help you understand what's happening and put a plan in place to manage it.
We offer Guided Biofilm Therapy as part of our approach to maintaining healthy gums and managing periodontal disease.
If you're concerned about your gums, speak to our team or book an appointment.