Healthy Gums

What is gum disease?

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease. It typically causes inflammation and redness of the gums, and your gums may occasionally bleed after you have brushed your teeth. With periodontal gum disease, people experience some destruction of the supporting structures of the tooth around the root.

The symptoms of gum disease may include bleeding gums, receding gums, wobbly teeth and bad breath. Gum disease can be completely pain free, although some people feel ongoing discomfort or pain when they are brushing their teeth.
It is important to regularly visit the experienced hygienists at Viva Dental to make sure that any signs of gum disease are spotted and treated as soon as possible.

If it’s painless, why is it so important to prevent gum disease?
If gum disease is left untreated, it can affect the underlying structures of your teeth causing them to loosen and wobble. Once this happens, the only treatment option is to extract the wobbly tooth. This in turn can lead to problems relating to your bite, the function and appearance of your teeth; it may even impact on your speech. Studies have also found that gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even low birth weight babies.

How can I prevent gum disease?
It’s important to see a dental hygienist regularly (usually every three to six months depending on your individual needs). You should also brush your teeth at least twice a day or after every meal. If you need advice about the best way to brush your teeth, our hygienist will be happy to help you.

I look after my teeth with regular brushing, so why do I need to see the hygienist?
Our experienced and highly qualified hygienists are an essential part of the Viva Dental team, and they make sure that your gums are as healthy as possible. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a hygienist; therefore it is important to attend regular appointments. Our hygienist can also give you invaluable advice about trouble spots you may be missing and how to effectively brush your teeth.

Will it hurt?
A treatment by one of our skilled hygienists is usually pain free; she will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar, clean and polish your teeth. If you are experiencing some discomfort or sensitivity with your teeth or gums, the hygienist may decide to gently numb the affected areas in order to ensure a completely pain-free treatment.

Can the dentist clean my teeth instead?
At Viva Dental, we believe the right person should provide the right treatment. Our highly qualified hygienists have spent two years training to care for your gums and have extensive hands-on experience, making them the right people to provide this treatment for you. They have a caring and friendly approach and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about keeping your gums healthy.

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