Gum Health and Scaling
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection that damages the soft tissues and if not treated it can cause gum recession and destroy the bone supporting your teeth. This in turn leads to loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Complications of gum disease:
Bad breath and bad taste in the mouth
Gum abscess
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Loss of teeth
Increased risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes
Treatment:
Practising good oral hygiene at home supplemented with regular cleaning (scale and polish).
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, you may need several scaling appointments and may require 3 monthly scalings.
Avoid or quit smoking as smoking can adversely affect the gums and your body’s response to gum treatment.
What preventative measures I can take?
Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
Use a soft-medium toothbrush and replace every 1-3 months
Spit don’t rinse after brushing
Floss or use interdental brushes twice daily
See your dentist for regular check-ups especially if you are pregnant or diabetic
Avoid using mouthwash after brushing
Avoid smoking