Keep Your Teeth for Life

Over the coming months I will discuss several of the common (and not so common) aspects of maintaining optimal dental care.

This series of posts will concentrate on the most common cause of tooth loss in adults – periodontal (gum) disease.

Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime! Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects millions of Australians and most do not even know that they have it.

The main cause of periodontal disease (and dental decay) is bacterial plaque – a sticky, colourless film of bacteria.

Other causes of gum disease include smoking, genetics, pregnancy/menopause, stress, medications, clenching and grinding teeth, and diabetes.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease and is usually represented by swollen, red gums which bleed easily on brushing or flossing.

It is not normal for your gums to bleed!

Caused by inadequate oral hygiene, gingivitis is completely reversible with good oral hygiene care.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.

Periodontitis occurs over time when the bacterial plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line.

The bacteria produce toxins, which stimulates a chronic inflammatory reaction in which the body effectively turns on itself.

Gradually, the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.

This process is often painless, and eventually will result in the tooth being lost.

The sooner the diagnosis, the more predictable and favourable the outcome of treatment will be.

Prevention is best; good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dental hygienist or dentist to remove the plaque, along with removal of risk factors will help you maintain your teeth for life.