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gum disease prevention Woolgoolga Archives - Magic Smiles

Feb 04
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Close up of woman mouth with red gums

“Why do I have red gums?” And Other Gingivitis FAQs

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Redness, tenderness, and bleeding, oh my! If this describes your gums, your dentist may tell you that you have developed the earliest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is a sneaky yet prevalent condition signified by inflamed, red gums. In this blog, Dr. Arpit Pathak of Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre in Woolgoolga, NSW, answers patients’ commonly asked questions about gingivitis.

1. What causes gingivitis?

Unfortunately, anyone can develop gum disease. However, the most common reason people develop gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. When people neglect oral care, this creates conditions in the mouth that encourage plaque (sticky film of bacteria) formations. After plaque forms on the teeth and is not sufficiently removed, it hardens into tartar. 

Because a dental hygienist can only remove tartar, tartar deposits continue to collect bacteria. Over time, these deposits become increasingly difficult to remove and create a protective shield for bacteria. This bacterial accumulation leads to swollen, red gums and irritation along the gumline.

2. What are some risk factors?

In addition to poor oral hygiene, some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Advanced age
  • Tobacco usage
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Genetics
  • Hormonal changes
  • Crooked teeth
  • Certain medical conditions and medications
  • Improperly fitted dental restorations

3. What are the dangers of gum disease?

Untreated gingivitis can progress and spread to the underlying tissue and bone. When gingivitis advances into periodontal disease, it can lead to more severe complications (including gum recession and loose teeth).

Also, several studies suggest that bacteria associated with periodontal disease may be responsible for advancing systemic disease as it enters the bloodstream (and vice versa). Furthermore, some researchers link chronically inflamed gums to heart disease, certain cancers, and more.

4. How can people prevent gingivitis?

Fortunately, gingivitis is avoidable in most cases. Here are three healthy habits to adopt:

  • Practice good oral hygiene: Every day, brush and floss at least twice (in the morning and before going to bed). 
  • Visit the dentist routinely: As a rule of thumb, people should visit the dentist at least every six months for dental cleanings and exams. The chances are that a dentist can catch and control gum disease with more frequent visits. 
  • Stay overall healthy: As mentioned earlier, gum disease may be linked to systemic health. Preventing disease via eating healthy, managing blood sugar, and staying fit can help prevent systemic diseases (such as diabetes). 

5. Are the symptoms of gingivitis (such as red gums) reversible?

Luckily, gingivitis is reversible if you catch it in time. Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning that can remove all traces of irritating bacteria, plaque, and tartar.

Unfortunately, gingivitis is the precursor to full-blown periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a permanent condition that requires more ongoing care. As the disease advances, more severe symptoms (such as tooth loss) may occur if neglected.

6. What actions must people take if they suspect gum disease?

If you believe that you may be suffering from gingivitis or any form of gum disease, it’s best practice to visit an experienced dentist before the condition escalates. Prompt treatment can reverse gingivitis and prevent the progression of more serious periodontal disease.

Have you noticed that you or a loved one are experiencing the previously mentioned gingivitis symptoms? If you are experiencing red gums, bleeding, or sensitivity, contact Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre in Woolgoolga before it’s too late. Call  (02) 6654-0650 or message us online straight away.

Jan 17
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4 Ways a Dental Checkup Could Save Your Overall Health

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You know that it is important to schedule a regular dental checkup if you want to enjoy a bright and healthy smile. But did you know that routine checkups could also help to prevent major health issues? At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our team is extremely thorough. During each six-month visit, your dentist or hygienist will evaluate your teeth and your soft tissues to look for signs of damage or inflammation. Using advanced technology, such as Orthopantomogram (OPG) x-rays, we can obtain a view of your entire mouth and a comprehensive understanding of your oral – and even physical – health. 

1. Catching Gum Disease Early Could Prevent Heart Disease

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory condition, with moderate to severe disease affecting an estimated 22.9% of Australian adults. Alarmingly, there is also a strong link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, meaning a large portion of the population could have a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Scientists are still researching the connection between the two conditions. However, many believe that bacteria in the gums will eventually travel through the bloodstream to the heart. 

Each dental checkup also includes a check of your soft tissues. Your dentist or hygienist will look for any signs of gum inflammation or recession. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, timely treatment will certainly help to prevent widespread dental damage, and it may help to ward off life-threatening cardiovascular events, as well. 

2. Poor Oral Health Has Been Linked to Respiratory Disease

Cavities and periodontitis may also lead to respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia. These concerns can also worsen existing lung conditions, including asthma and COPD. In part, this is because you may inhale oral bacteria into your lungs. Furthermore, periodontal disease is a chronic type of inflammation, which can strain your immune system, making you more susceptible to other illnesses. 

3. A Dental Checkup Includes an Oral Cancer Screening 

Routine visits to our office also include oral cancer screenings, using our state-of-the-art VELscope® laser. Often, oral cancer causes visible swelling or white or red patches in the mouth. In the very earliest stages, however, these signs are often invisible, which is why oral cancer often goes undiagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body. The VELscope laser may enable your practitioner to see soft tissue abnormalities that would otherwise go undetected. When oral cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate is between 94 and 62%.

 

4. A Dental Checkup Can Make for a Healthier Pregnancy

If you are expecting a baby, you may wonder whether you should still visit the dentist. In fact, checkups, as well as cleans, are more essential than ever! When you are pregnant, you are at a greater risk for developing gum disease, and in turn, this can increase your risk for premature birth. Furthermore, when women have untreated cavities during pregnancy, their children are at a greater risk of developing cavities later in life. Though you should not have x-rays during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, dental checkups are not only permitted; they are essential.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup Today

Take steps to protect your smile and lifelong wellness. Schedule a dental checkup at our Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbor offices today. You can reach us online or call us at (02) 6653-1788.

Nov 12
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graphic of the stages of periodontal disease

How to Prevent, Reverse, and Manage Periodontal Disease

By Oral Health No Comments

Although periodontal (gum) disease is largely preventable, it is highly prevalent. It often starts as swollen, bleeding gums but can develop into tooth loss as a worst-case scenario. Check out this treatment guide to keeping gums healthy.

1. Regular Preventive Care

A curious conundrum about gum disease is that it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Therefore, dental cleanings and exams every six months have become the foundation of periodontal disease prevention. Even though it is important to brush, floss, and rinse with a mouthwash, dental hygienists use specialized tools to clean the mouth thoroughly. If plaque hardens into gum disease-causing tartar, only a dental hygienist can remove it.

2. Invisalign®

Crowded or misaligned teeth can make it challenging for patients to clean their teeth properly. When the teeth are overcrowded, food and germs are more likely to become trapped between the teeth and along the gumline. Consider Invisalign if you want to straighten your teeth and maintain proper oral hygiene simultaneously. Studies support that patients who pick Invisalign over fixed oral appliances have healthier gums.

3. Scaling and Root Planing

As periodontal disease develops, the gums form spaces (or pockets) and drag the gum tissue away from the teeth. Over time, bacteria, plaque, tartar, and food particles fill these gum pockets, which causes them to deepen and become a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.

Scaling and root planing is a trusted method that dentists use to:

  • Scaling: Remove plaque and tartar below the gumline
  • Planing: Level out the tooth root (which helps the gums fasten to the tooth)

4. Laser Gum Contouring

Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth) is a direct result of inflammation and transpires when the gum tissues react aggressively to irritants, such as plaque and tartar. While everyone has their preferences, many people prefer reducing the appearance of a “gummy smile.”

Traditionally, gum contouring involves scalpels and sutures. Thanks to contemporary technology, some practices offer laser gum contouring. With this safe, modern method, a laser gently removes excess gingival tissue and Immediately cauterizes the wound so that patients experience minimal bleeding and recovery time. Also, removing excess gum tissue has cosmetic and social advantages. The Journal of Periodontology published a study that suggests that people perceive others with less gummy smiles as more attractive, friendly, trustworthy, intelligent, and self-confident.

It’s necessary to note that after the gum tissue increases, gum recession often follows. When the gums recede, more intensive gum surgery is needed.

5. Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Implants

If you have experienced tooth loss from gum disease, you’re not alone. Australian adults aged 15 years and older had an average of 4.4 teeth missing as a result of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Missing teeth may decrease quality of life, but there is a wide range of treatments that help fill the void:

  • Prosthetic dental appliances: People have used dental crowns, bridges, and dentures to replace missing teeth for centuries. Today, dental prosthetics are natural-looking and functional.
  • Dental implants: Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth for dental replacement. They act as a natural tooth root and are a secure, bone-saving, and aesthetically-pleasing option. 

Our Coffs Harbor Dentist Helps Patients with Periodontal Disease

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our dedicated team offers several options to keep your gums as healthy as possible. Prevent periodontal disease by scheduling a dental appointment with us by calling (02) 5645 6376 or messaging us online right now.

Sep 10
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Image of bleeding and inflamed gums from gum disease

5 Myths About Gum Disease

By Oral Health No Comments

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection in the mouth that can lead to tooth loss and damage systemic, overall health. Periodontal diseases and conditions are a considerable health crisis in the Australian population, with 3 out of 10 Australian adults having moderate to severe periodontitis.

Even more alarming is that many people don’t even realize that they have gum disease due to common misconceptions. 

In this blog, we debunk five common myths about gum disease to help you better understand what it is, how it develops, and possible treatments. 

1. “My gums don’t hurt.”

Remarkably, periodontal disease isn’t typically painful and is often referred to as a “silent” disease. Usually, by the time you feel pain from periodontal conditions, the infection has spread and is too severe to be reversed.

Here are some early signs to be aware of:

  • Sensitive, bleeding, or receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Discomfort when chewing

2. “Periodontal disease only affects the mouth.”

Periodontal disease starts in the gums, but the infection can get into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Researchers at Harvard University note that people with periodontal disease have a higher risk of:

  • Diabetes
  • Chronic respiratory disease
  • Dementia
  • Pregnancy complications

How is gum disease connected to some chronic health issues? Inflammation plays a role in all of these conditions. For example, successfully treating diabetes reduces the severity of periodontitis (and vice versa). By treating the inflammation, symptoms of these systematic conditions (including periodontal disease) lessen.

3. “I brush and floss every day to prevent periodontal disease.”

Consistent, thorough at-home oral hygiene routines are crucial for managing periodontal disease. Nonetheless, just brushing and flossing can’t always prevent gum infections from developing. Regardless of how good you’re brushing or flossing, genetics, smoking, and some systematic conditions can increase the possibility of gum disease emerging.

Additionally, when gum infections are left untreated, “pockets” start to form around each tooth and deepen as the disease progresses. Once the pocket is deeper than 4mm, a toothbrush and floss cannot reach the bacteria, plaque, and tartar beneath the gums. In this instance, scaling and root planing (or deep dental cleaning) treats this stage of the disease. If too much damage is done, restorative measures, like gum grafts, are needed. 

4. “I’ve never had a cavity, so I can’t have gum disease.”

If you’re fortunate enough to have never experienced tooth decay, you could still possibly develop periodontal disease. Oral bacteria cause both cavities and gum disease; however, different types of bacteria cause both of these conditions:

  • Porphyromonas gingivalis causes gum disease.
  • Streptococcus mutans causes cavities.

Unfortunately, otherwise healthy teeth can still become loose and fall out if advanced periodontal disease destroys the supporting gum tissue and underlying jawbone.

5. “Gum disease can be cured.”

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, is often reversible with early intervention. With regular cleanings and checkups, a dentist can help identify and reverse the early signs of gingivitis. However, as the disease progresses to periodontitis, it can only be treated and not cured. Additional professional cleanings, treatments, and possibly surgery may be necessary to help alleviate advanced symptoms.

Schedule an Appointment

Periodontal disease is a leading cause of missing teeth in people over the age of 15. Prevention and early intervention are key.

Dr. Pathak monitors gum health with professional dental cleanings and exams. If you suspect that you may have gum disease, or if you simply want to prevent it, call (02) 6654-0650 or message us online to schedule an appointment at our Woolgoolga, NSW location.

Apr 15
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gum disease or periodontal disease on green background

Gum Disease and Systemic Health

By Oral Health No Comments

Bleeding, irritated, swollen, and receding gums are a few of the most obvious signs of gum disease. Other signs and symptoms include persistent bad breath, loose teeth, changes in bite, and even tooth loss. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, progresses very slowly which is a great thing! This means that dentists can usually catch the disease in its earliest (and only treatable) stage before patients experience the worst symptoms.

However, for patients who don’t visit the dentist regularly, periodontal disease can cause tremendous damage to their oral cavity as well as their bodies. Additionally, periodontal disease can be triggered or worsened by systemic health issues.

How Gum Disease Affects Overall Health

Most often, people develop gum disease because of poor oral hygiene and/or eating habits. What begins as an infection in the gingiva, turns into an inflammatory reaction throughout the body when it gets into the bloodstream.

The bacteria from gum disease infiltrate the bloodstream and can cause the following overall health issues:

Heart disease

After evaluating several research studies, authors from the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology have found a significant link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Those studies proved that gum disease creates at least a 20 percent increase in the risk of heart disease.

Though this number is seemingly small, any percentage can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, periodontal care is an essential part of avoiding heart issues.

Diabetes

According to the American Dental Association, people who have periodontal disease may develop higher blood sugar which leads to type 2 diabetes. When the microbes from the disease leak into the bloodstream, the body has a natural reaction, which sometimes means raising blood sugar levels.

Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers haven’t quite figured out the connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease and some even disagree that they are related. However, others believe that an over-production of beta-amyloid as a response to gum disease germs could be what causes Alzheimer’s disease.

Overall Health Issues That Cause Periodontal Disease

For some people, gum disease is caused by issues and changes in the body. While many studies of how certain health issues lead to gum disease are ambiguous, the connection certainly seems clear.

Hormonal changes in women that occur during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause often lead to periodontal disease.

The story is a little different for men in that gum disease is more likely to affect other parts of their reproductive health.

Just as periodontal disease can lead to type 2 diabetes, the reverse is also true. Since diabetes leads to blood vessel changes that reduce the flow of nutrients to the rest of the body and removal of waste from the body the gums and bone tissue may weaken.

Gum Disease Prevention

The saying “prevention is the best policy” certainly applies to gum disease. Besides practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, at home, patients should visit the dentist at least every six months. During these appointments, dentists look for signs of periodontal disease and can even eliminate the disease with a dental clean if it’s early enough.

In addition to these practices, patients should eat healthy, exercise, eliminate stressors, and visit their general physicians regularly since we know overall health issues lead to gum disease.

Ready to get your oral (and overall) health back on track? Contact our Woolgoolga dental practice today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Jan 20
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chart with progression of periodontal disease

Periodontal Disease 101: Know the Facts

By Oral Health No Comments

Periodontal disease (aka gum disease) affects millions of Australian adults. Yet, many don’t know anything about it until they are diagnosed with it. Many of those people aren’t diagnosed until the disease has developed into a very serious health problem which often leads to tooth loss.

Education is the first step towards prevention. That’s why we’re writing this blog! Here, you’ll find the basic and most important facts about gum disease.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease happens when the bacteria in the mouth become unbalanced. In a healthy mouth, billions of bacteria that work together to create a neutral environment. Poor oral hygiene, eating too much sugar, genetics, and certain medications can all lead to the production of bad bacteria that take over the mouth. Once this occurs, the disease progresses through these four stages:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and most easily treated. In some cases, an enhanced oral hygiene routine can reverse gingivitis, but a professional dental clean is the best treatment.

How do you know if you have gingivitis? The most common symptoms are red gums, irritated gums, and bleeding while brushing and flossing.

Early Periodontitis

When gingivitis turns into early periodontitis, the person may experience persistent bad breath and mild gum recession in addition to their other symptoms. At this stage, the disease may not be reversible.

Early periodontitis treatment usually includes scaling and root planing. This treatment involves using special dental tools to remove tartar from above and below the gum line.

Moderate Periodontitis

As the bacteria moves further and further below the gum line, it attacks the bones and infiltrates the bloodstream and immune system. The gums will continue to recede, and the other symptoms will continue to worsen.

Scaling and root planing might be the dentist’s first line of treatment for moderate periodontitis. Then, he or she might recommend gum surgery to replace the missing tissue.

Advanced Periodontitis

In the last stage of gum disease, the symptoms should be very apparent. Patients report having loose teeth because of the extend of gum disease. The teeth may seem more spaced out than usual as well. At this point, the disease and its symptoms must be addressed. This could include root scaling and planing, gum grafting, and other restorative procedures.

The Connection to Overall Health

Because periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, and can get into the bloodstream, it impacts many areas of the body. Periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

For women, gum disease can be a symptom of hormonal issues like puberty, menstruation, and menopause.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Our goal as dental professionals is to help everyone avoid gum disease. First, we educate. Then, we provide practical tips for patients to apply.

Here are our top five tips for preventing periodontal disease:

  1. Brush every morning and evening with a fluoridated toothpaste
  2. Floss every evening
  3. Consume a healthy diet (limiting sugary beverages and candy)
  4. Quit tobacco use
  5. Visit the dentist regularly

Those who follow these guidelines are much less likely to develop gum disease at any age!

Start Preventing Periodontal Disease Today

At Magic Smiles, we desire to see all patients achieve optimal oral health. Our team of friendly, experienced dentists is proud to serve the Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour communities. Contact us today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule a dental cleans and exam appointment.