PERIODONTAL HEALTH
The health of your gums is the cornerstone of all dental care. Ken was one of the first dentists in the area to recognize the pivotal role that gum health plays in achieving a healthy, sparkling smile, and now has two hygienists working with his patients At the practice we place great emphasis on the patient working to achieve their optimum gum health, scheduling a regular, tailor made, programme of visits, according to your needs.
As we keep abreast of all the developments occurring in dentistry we are able to advise you on the most up to date thoughts on dealing with periodontal disease. We know what works, and more importantly, what doesn't’t!!
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
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