Periodontics is the field of dentistry concerned with treating the area around your teeth – and at Beaufort Dental Clinic we take this very seriously. Why? Because healthy gums are the key to healthy teeth and an attractive smile.
At Beaufort Dental Clinic we monitor the health of your gums during your regular dental check-ups, with a team of both dentists and hygienists on hand to carry out any further treatments required.
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What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is essentially advanced gum disease, though the term literally goes deeper than that, as gum infection can penetrate as far as the jawbone. In serious cases it can lead to receding gums and tooth loss.
What are the causes of gum disease?
Quite simply, gum disease begins with bad oral hygiene – let your regular brushing and flossing slide, and you'll allow a film of bacteria – known as plaque – to build up around the gum line. Caused by the food that remains on your teeth after eating, plaque eventually hardens to become tartar. Together, they attack the tooth enamel, making gums and teeth vulnerable to disease and decay.
How do I know if my gums aren't healthy?
If you've ever experienced sore or bleeding gums while flossing or brushing, or you have bad breath, the chances are you have gingivitis – an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is easily reversed when you step up your oral hygiene regime – but left untreated, it will lead to periodontitis. At this stage your gums will be inflamed and begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving them open to further infection and decay. It's a situation that requires urgent dental treatment.
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Cleaning, advice and treatment
At Beaufort Dental Clinic we aim not just to treat gum disease, but to educate too. Gum disease is still on the rise among adults in the UK, and tooth decay is being reported in children as young as four. It's a shocking set of statistics with an alarmingly simple solution: practise good oral hygiene – daily brushing, flossing, a mindful diet and regular dentist check-ups – and you are unlikely ever to need the assistance of our periodontics team at Beaufort Dental Clinic. If, however, treatment is required, your dentist will guide you through the procedures, which may include:
• Professional cleaning
• Antibiotics
• Assessment using a periodontal probe
• Surgical treatment to remove plaque
Your dental hygienist
The dental hygienists at Beaufort Dental Clinic are key to our philosophy of preventive oral healthcare. When plaque and tartar become noticeable, the hygienist will give your teeth a scale and polish to remove the build-up, and provide advice on the routines you should carry out at home. Put the advice into practice, and the requirement to visit the hygienist will significantly reduce.