Periodontal Disease Prevention and Treatment

A healthy smile means more than having healthy teeth. Periodontal (gum) health is equally important because the gums are living tissue that holds the teeth in place. Periodontal maintenance appointments are vital for protecting your smile and managing your gum health. 

Ballina Coast Dental offers comprehensive periodontal disease prevention and non-invasive treatment. To prevent or control gum disease, we invite you to contact us for a routine dental check-up at our Ballina dental clinic.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease attacks the gums and bone supporting the teeth. If plaque isn’t adequately removed from the teeth and around the gums, it turns into tartar (calculus) and can inflame or infect the gums. There are three main stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the earliest and only reversible stage. However, periodontitis and advanced periodontal disease are controllable with excellent oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups.

Symptoms and Consequences of Untreated Gum Disease

Gum disease has many associated signs and symptoms. We invite you to contact our dental clinic if you experience any of the following:

• Swollen, red or puffy gums 
• Tender or sore gums
• Bleeding gums, especially while brushing or flossing 
• Chronic bad breath 
• Loose or missing teeth 
• Pus around the teeth or gums 
• Receding gums 
• New spacing between teeth 

Most people don’t even realize they have periodontal disease because it’s not painful in the early stages. Gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss, and research shows that there’s a link between gum disease and systemic illnesses, such as:

• Stroke
• Bacterial pneumonia 
• Diabetes 
• Cardiovascular disease 

A balanced diet, good oral hygiene and routine dental visits can help reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

Periodontal Disease Prevention and Treatment in Ballina 

Ballina Coast Dental offers periodontal disease prevention and treatment so patients can maintain excellent gum health. Your dentist may recommend frequent check-ups to monitor and control your gingivitis or gum disease.  

Oral Health Examination

The dentist will provide a comprehensive oral health evaluation and diagnostic x-rays to detect signs of oral cancers, decay, tumours, cysts, bone loss and tooth and root positioning. We can also offer oral hygiene recommendations, such as reviewing or suggesting periodontal products, fluorides, rinses, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Professional Cleaning

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it’s reversible. If you have gingivitis, our oral health therapist can provide a professional cleaning and advise you on keeping your teeth and gums healthy and problem-free.

Scaling and Root Planing

If you have periodontitis or advanced periodontal disease, our oral health therapy can provide a scaling and root planing treatment, also known as a ‘deep cleaning’. Sometimes, scaling and root planing may require more than one visit, depending on the patient’s needs.

Scaling – The dentist or oral health therapy removes plaque and tartar from each periodontal pocket.

Root Planing – We then smooth, or ‘plane’, the tooth root surfaces, which promotes healing and reattaches the gum tissue to the teeth. 

The dentist or oral health therapist may also recommend certain medications to control the infection and aid healing. Antibiotics and medicated mouth rinses are also options. Patients with more severe gum disease may need gum contouring or grafting, and we can refer them to a local oral surgeon or periodontist. 

Good oral hygiene and frequent periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining one’s oral health and controlling gum disease. 

We Welcome Your Call

If you experience signs or symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease, we invite you to contact us for an exam and cleaning. Together, we can prevent and control gum disease!