A healthy smile is always in style, so how can we support your health to prevent gum disease and protect teeth
Fashions come and go. Hairstyles can look dated. But a healthy, attractive smile is always in style! To keep your teeth in top shape, Smile in Style works with you to care for the tissues that surround, protect, and support them. With consistent, proactive care, our Moonee Ponds, Victoria team prevents a major oral and overall health threat: periodontal disease.
The “basics”
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease affects the structures around the teeth. It is a progressive condition that first involves only the gingival (gum) tissue. Without treatment, it can damage all of the tissues, including the gums, ligaments and supportive bone.
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria, starches, and sugars in foods are not properly brushed or flossed away. During this process, a sticky and destructive bacterial film forms. In response to the bacteria, your body’s immune system releases substances that inflame and destroy the gums, ligaments, and bone.
Know and manage your risks
There are many things that we can do, in partnership with you, to quickly resolve early gingival inflammation and prevent advanced disease and irreversible damage. We have highlighted the key risk factors and how our team addresses them:
- Smoking, vaping, and use of tobacco- and nicotine-containing products –Smokers tend to develop more plaque build-up (tartar), deeper pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums, and more extensive bone loss. These and other destructive habits that we can control must be addressed and squashed
- Crooked and crowded teeth – Any behaviours and characteristics that make it difficult for you to properly brush and floss are risk factors for gum disease. Food particles may become trapped in tight spaces and linger, promoting the development of oral disease. As needed, we recommend orthodontic treatments (like clear aligners) and products to clean hard-to-reach areas (such as underneath dental bridges)
- Bruxism – This condition refers to chronic grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaws. An oral appliance designed to cushion the blow from teeth grinding may be in your future. These and other interventions prevent the break-down of the attachments between the teeth and gums, and damage to tooth structures and dental-work
- Dry mouth – Hundreds of diseases and the medications used to treat them have dry mouth as a side effect. Since saliva is a natural cleanser, this condition promotes the build-up of harmful plaque. During recall appointments, we stay on top of any changes to your systemic and oral health. So, we do our part to manage these “comorbidities,” too. After all, it is a two-way street; conditions like diabetes can both contribute to and be negatively affected by gum disease. There are also a variety of dentist-approved prescription and medical-grade products to combat decreases in salivary flow
No two patients are alike. So, our approach to curbing, stopping, and managing gum disease is specific to you and your personal traits and circumstances. Our dentists, Drs Terry Rose and Sutanter Wander, may advise on everything from gum-friendly nutrition to effective brushing and flossing techniques. Of course, home care must be complemented by routine professional care.
To schedule your exam and a professional cleaning by one of our talented dental hygienists, phone our Moonee Ponds, VIC office on 03 8400 4104. Or, if our Sunbury office is more convenient, call 03 8001 6021.
