Periodontics/
dental hygiene
Dental hygiene
No matter how thoroughly you brush, you will always miss something - your brush simply can't reach all the places it needs to. It can be identified through symptoms such as bleeding gums, inflammation and bad breath.
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Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults; it can happen at any age. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, hormonal changes, certain illnesses, and genetics can all impact the risk of gum disease.
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Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar that builds up on the teeth. It causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums and if not treated will result in irreversible damage to the bone supporting the teeth. This can cause the teeth to become loose and may result in early tooth loss.
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Our hygienist will clean your teeth with specialist tools to dislodge plaque and tartar from the places you can’t reach. This treatment, traditionally referred to as “scale and polish”, will significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as remove unsightly surface stains from your teeth.
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Our hygienist will also show you how to take care of your teeth at home. Most people benefit from seeing a hygienist every 6 months.
Gum and other diseases
It has been noted that there is an association between gum disease and a higher risk of heart disease. This connection may be due to the bacteria and inflammation from gum disease spreading throughout the body, causing damage to the arteries and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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Gum disease is also connected to other medical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy complications, arthritis, and respiratory diseases. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease because high blood sugar levels weaken their immune system’s ability to fight off infections. Pregnant women with gum disease are at a greater risk for premature birth and low birth weight babies. Untreated gum disease may also worsen the symptoms of arthritis or respiratory diseases.
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Preventing gum disease is crucial for not only your oral health but your overall well-being as well.
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Here are some ways you can maintain healthy gums:
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Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes with an electric toothbrush and using interdental brushes to clean between your teeth daily.
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Adopt a healthy diet that is low in sugar and processed foods, as they can contribute to the development of gum disease.
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Schedule regular professional cleanings with your dentist or hygienist to remove tartar buildup and detect any signs of early gum disease.
Periodontics
Periodontal disease affects millions worldwide and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. By taking care of your gum health now, you can prevent the progression to more serious stages of gum disease and bone loss (periodontitis) which will require more complex treatments
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Surgical interventions may be necessary to address severe cases of periodontitis where non-surgical (hygiene) treatment is unsuccessful. For example, tissue regeneration techniques using biocompatible materials to stimulate the growth of new bone and soft tissue in areas affected by periodontal disease. Peri-implantitis treatment may be necessary when implants become infected due to poor oral hygiene or other factors. In such cases, bone grafting or gum grafting may be required to restore the damaged tissues surrounding the implant.
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At Rectory House our specialist will work closely with you to determine which surgical intervention is right for your unique needs.