Oral Hygiene & Gum Treatment
ORAL HEALTH CHECK
If oral conditions are left untreated as they progress the cost increases and the health prognosis for the diseased tooth decreases. For example: fillings are costed according to the size of the cavity so the bigger it gets the more it costs. If the cavity becomes too large and involves the nerve then you will require a root canal treatment or lose the tooth.
Often by the time you become aware that there is an issue it has likely already advanced so attending routine oral health inspections can save you a lot of time, money and your teeth long term.
X-RAYS
X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool in oral health inspections. The majority of cavities start between the teeth usually due to infrequent or inadequate flossing.
These cavities are very difficult to see from the outside and can usually only be detected after a significant portion of the inside of the tooth has already been diseased and a shadow is seen or unsupported enamel fractures. An x-ray is required to pick up these cavities before they become too advanced to be treated with a simple filling. X- Rays are also able to detect leaking fillings which need to be replaced.
Plaque is a thin layer of bacteria that constantly forms on the surface of teeth. If it isn’t effectively removed by regular flossing and brushing, prolonged exposure to the minerals in saliva calcify the plaque hardening it and transforming it into calculus .
Calculus is a hard and porous substance that harbors bacteria.
Calculus cannot be removed with flossing or brushing so a professional clean using an ultrasonic and or hand scalers is required to remove it.
If calculus isn’t removed it causes GINGIVITIS, an inflammation of the gums. Signs that you have Gingivitis:
- Gums that bleed easily particularly while brushing
- Bad breath
- Hard ropey red gums
If gingivitis is left untreated it can develop into a chronic condition that causes irreversible damage known as PERIODONTITIS. Signs that you have periodontal disease.
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
- Jaw bone loss
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Pus
If left untreated periodontal disease can and very often does result in extensive bone loss leading to tooth loss as there is no longer enough bone to support the teeth. This makes replacing the tooth difficult as the Lack of remaining bone makes you a poor candidate for implants and causes lack of retention in dentures.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
Not all dental conditions can be resolved so practicing a good oral health routine at home and attending a biannual professional clean can save you the arduous, distressing and costly journey of fighting periodontal disease.