Gum treatment
It is very important to maintain the health of the teeth prior to embarking on straightening your teeth. Therefore, we don’t just look after the health of your teeth, we make sure your gums are in good shape too. Some of our patients present with gum disease, known as periodontitis. Dr Meena Ranka is our periodontal specialist who takes a thorough approach to eradicating gum disease. She works with the dentist and orthodontist as well as the hygienist. Communication within the team is key and we pride ourselves in the multidisciplinary approach we can provide to our patients.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a common condition and occurs when the tissue around your teeth becomes inflamed. This is caused when plaque builds up due to insufficient brushing and flossing. The bacteria in the plaque build-up can cause gums to become inflamed and infected.
As your gums shrink back from your teeth, it allows bacteria to get below the gum line where it causes damage to the tissue and bone structure that support your teeth.
Warning signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Gums that are receding which cause the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to movement of the teeth and even tooth loss. Although it is one of the most common diseases in humans, it is easily preventable.
How to treat gum disease
Using specialist techniques Dr Ranka can restore lost bone and gum, replace lost teeth with traditional prosthetics such as bridges, or with dental implants, and help straighten teeth which have become crooked due to mobility caused by gum disease.
How to prevent gum disease
- Brush and floss regularly
- Avoid smoking, or cut back (smokers are six times more likely to have gum disease and the severity increases the more you smoke and the longer the habit has been in place)
- Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly
