What is Gum Disease?
When people think of oral health problems, they tend to focus on tooth decay. But gum disease is a common and painful oral health concern that, left unchecked, can result in serious outcomes that require major dental surgery.
It can also increase the risk of other health problems including heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes.
Put simply, gum disease starts as inflammation of the gums, which can spread to bone beneath if not treated. The result is not only painful, but more difficult and expensive to fix.
The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
The Symptoms
The trouble with gum disease is that it’s insidious. The initial symptoms can be painless, so by the time you realise something is wrong, the disease can be advanced and very serious.
Regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent gum disease or catch it in its early stages. Your dentist is trained to recognise gum disease in its early stages and will check for it during every oral health examination
There are symptoms you can watch for at home. If you experience any of the following, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment
Only a dentist or hygienist has the skills and equipment to treat gum disease once it has taken hold. Don’t delay seeing help if you notice any symptoms.
Who Does Gum Disease Affect?
Gum disease can affect anyone at any age, especially if they have poor oral hygiene. But there are a few groups who are more susceptible, include people aged over 30, diabetics, pregnant women, drug users and those who have a poor diet.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
As always, prevention is better than cure. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day helps to reduce plaque build-up, which is the main cause of gum disease. Using a mouthwash especially designed to treat gingivitis helps, as does avoiding sugary foods and drinks. As always, regular dental check-ups will also prevent plaque build-up and spot signs of gum disease early.
Fissure Sealants
The broad ridged surface that makes our molars so good for chewing food is what makes them vulnerable to decay because they can harbour fragments of food that not only attract the bacteria that can cause bad breath, but lead to a build-up of decay-causing plaque.
Those ridged surfaces, called dental fissures, can be sealed with a protective layer to prevent these problems taking hold.
Best of all, it’s a quick and painless procedure that involves painting on a clear or white sealant, which is hardened with ultraviolet light.
Do I Need Fissure Sealants?
No everyone needs fissure sealants. You should discuss with your dentists if they think the grooves in your molars are too deep and may benefit from sealant to help prevent the build-up of food or plaque.
How is it done?
The great news is that it’s nothing like having a filling.
Your dentist will:
How long do fissure sealants last?
They can last for years, although sometimes the sealant will fall off within six months – especially if you tend to grind your teeth.
The good news is that it’s quick and easy to reapply. Your dentist will check on the condition of the sealant as part of your oral health visits and will recommend reapplying the sealant as required over the years.
The other benefit of fissure sealant is the smooth surface makes it really easy to brush those teeth and keep them healthy.