Gum Disease

GBT is the new and modern way to remove and manage dental biofilm. We tailor treatment protocols to your needs. The treatment is minimally invasive and delivered with maximum comfort (using warm water?). It can be used for general maintenance, advanced gum disease, implant maintenance and care and cleaning around orthodontic appliances efficiently. The products used in GBT change the DNA/RNA of the bacteria in the mouth thus changing the damaging properties and preventing bacterial production. Your hygienist will be able to discuss the benefits of this.

Laser therapy is part of a target approach used to treat areas which have not responded to conventional methods.

As part of the healing following gum treatment you will find that the inflammation will subside resulting in gum shrinkage to a healthier level. This may appear unsightly.

Root surface debridement and Guided Biofilm Therapy are modern concepts used to address this particular illness.

General chronic illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis can increase the risk of gum disease. Conversely, gum disease can increase the chance of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer.

There is no evidence that this will happen. Gum disease is an autoimmune disorder like arthritis.

Bleeding gums, bone loss around teeth, inflamed and sometimes receding gums.

Gum disease is a painless chronic disease. In the later stages you may become aware of loose teeth or teeth falling out. This is why it is important to regularly check-in with your hygienist.

Gingivitis (early gum disease) is reversible with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the hygienist. Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease affecting bone levels) is not reversible. The aim of excellent oral hygiene and gum treatment is to prevent disease progression and maintain health.

If you don’t clean your mouth properly you will suffer inflamed bleeding gums due to gingivitis. For some people this can result in bone loss and eventual loosening of teeth called Periodontal (gum) disease.

Sensitivity can be an extremely debilitating problem affecting individuals in different ways. This can be managed with desensitising toothpastes, tooth mousses and mouthwashes.

You should use mouthwash 30 minutes AFTERtooth brushing or at a different time from tooth brushing ie at lunchtime. If used straight after tooth brushing this will rinse the toothpaste and its benefits off the teeth.

Mouthwash can be incorporated into your oral hygiene routine. It is not a substitute for excellent tooth brushing but can be used in addition to maintain bacterial load. Your hygienist will suggest the best mouthwash for you at appointments if you want to incorporate this into your oral hygiene routine.

Eliminating gum inflammation is about mechanical cleaning. At your hygiene visit the hygienist will discuss toothpastes appropriate to your needs, providing appropriate toothpaste samples to try at home.

Yes. These are becoming more readily available. From bamboo toothbrushes and interdental brushes to Neem tree floss.

Yes you can use tepe brushes, dental rubbers or water flossers. There is a wide variety of interdental aids. Your hygienist will demonstrate and advise the best options for you at your appointments. This may vary over time as the spaces between teeth gradually change.

Excellent toothbrushing with an electric toothbrush will address 60% of the plaque biofilm. The other 40% requires for you to use interdental aids such as floss, tepe brushes or interdental rubbers. Your hygienist will show you how to derive maximum benefit from this.

Gum disease is an inflammatory disease which affects the immune system.. Therefore a healthy mouth leads to a healthy overall body/immune system.