Gum Disease - The University Dental and Implant Centre

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease affects the gum and the bone that surrounds the teeth. Most people who have periodontal disease are rarely aware of it. Its very often not painful, especially in the early stages.

The main cause is accumulation of plaque. Plaque is the sticky bacterial film that forms constantly on your teeth. Over a period of time the plaque can induce bleeding of the gums and pocketing. As part of our routine dental exmination we carry out a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) to make sure you do not have any pocketing. We also take x-rays when needed to see the amount of any bone loss.The animation below shows the effect of pocketing and bone loss. As you can see, at a very advanced stage the tooth can become loose and fall out!

Checking for gum pocketing as part of a routine examination

Bleeding is a sign of gum problems -- Healthy Gums Don't Bleed.

What can we do to treat Periodontal Disease?

Our dental hygienist, Yvonne Steward, is specifically trained to help you with gum problems.The main aspects of treatment are:

Brushing and cleaning your teeth as instructed by your dentist or hygienist. Particluarly important is the use of dental floss and interdental brushes (Tepe Brushes) as plaque build up in areas which are hardest to clean.
Scaling of your teeth on a regular basis to remove hard deposits of tartar which accumulate around your gums.
Regular check-ups to ensure your gums remain healthy and monitor any pockets.
Removing risk factors such as smoking. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for periodontal disease after plaque.

Visiting the dentist and hygienist are an essential part of the preventive programme that we strongly recommend to help preserve your teeth.

Cleaning between teeth is often forgotten and is essential to prevent Periodontal Disease

Using Tepe Brushes instead of floss is sometimes easier but you must ask your dentist for advice first

Should I use an electric or manual toothbrush?

Actually, it doesn't matter so long as you do the job right. Technique is more important. Not everyone has equal manual dexterity and some people will manage better than others. However it is true to say that if someone is struggling to get their teeth free of plaque with a manual toothbrush, usually they will fair better with an electric brush. You must ask your dentist or hygienist for advice first.

How should I brush?

Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and angle against the gumline. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of each individual tooth.
Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth
Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.

This animation shows you how to brush with a manual brush.

Many people find it easier with an Electric Toothbrush

How often should I be having a scaling?

It all depends upon your particular situation. Your dentist will examine you and give you the appropriate advice. Someone who has very little signs of gums disease may only need a scaling every 12 months. Others who have more advanced gum conditions may need scaling every 3 months. The average tends to be every 6 months.