Uncategorized Archives | Family Dentist in Townsville, Queensland | All About Teeth

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

The dentists at all about teeth offer dental implants. We’re here to tell you all the basics and how you could benefit from this unique treatment

What are dental implants?

Dental implants offer a frame or post which is surgically manoeuvred into the jawbone beneath the gums. Your dentist is then able to mount replacement teeth on top of the frame.

What is the difference between implants, dentures, bridges and crowns?

Implants are posts that are positioned into the jawbone. Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that are fitted over your gums. Bridges and crowns are prosthetic devices that are cemented onto the teeth either side of the gap.

The benefits of implants

Dental implants are extremely secure and provide more support for artificial teeth. Because implants fuse with the jawbone they are more stable in the mouth and provide a much more natural feel, which is so important to providing comfort when eating and speaking. When it comes to conventional dentures and bridges they often are more difficult to manage due to the potential of sore spots on the gums, therefore implants may be the more suitable option, especially for single missing teeth. Often times, when bridges or crowns are inserted the adjacent teeth, need to be ground down in order to be prepared for the bridge. When it comes to the preparation for implants, no other teeth need to be altered. Having missing teeth can cause other teeth to drift out of place, by replacing a missing tooth it ensures that the other teeth retain their position and functionality.

Who is an implant candidate?

Your dentist will assess and confirm whether dental implants are a suitable procedure.  Having good dental hygiene and oral care habits is essential in ensuring the success of your procedure and healing of the implant. Daily brushing and flossing are important, as well as regular visits to the dentist as part of the follow-up process. Healthy gums are a good sign, the healthier they are before the procedure, the chances of the gums healing well following the procedure increases. Ideally, the candidate should have enough bone in the jaw in order to firmly and safely anchor the implant however, there are alternative methods available if there is not enough bone present.

How do I care for implants properly?

  1. Brushing your teeth and flossing around the implant thoroughly each day will ensure the dental hygiene of your implant is cared for, enabling the mouth to heal better.
  2. Avoid anything that may weaken the bone structure and therefore cause the implant to fail, such as smoking.
  3. Regularly visiting the dentist for cleaning and examinations can ensure that the implant is still in good condition and that it is healing correctly.
  4. Avoid placing pressure on the implant. By chewing hard foods or grinding your teeth you may place excessive pressure on the implant and run the risk of breaking the crown and your natural teeth.

Seek the opinion of a professional

Visiting All About Teeth, your dentists in Townsville, is the first step to deciding whether or not dental implants are the right fit for you. Call 07 4771 2244 or contact us now

The Rise and Rise of Cosmetic Dentistry

The Rise and Rise of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has become a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Cosmetic dentistry has probably benefited the most out of any other arm of dentistry from the strides made in modern technology. There are now various treatments and products that can help you achieve your ideal smile. Anything from teeth whitening treatments to dental veneers can give you a reason to flash your smile whenever the mood strikes you. We are now in an era of dentistry where almost anything is possible with regards to the beautification of your smile, and this is all thanks to our ingenuity and a historical desire to have the most aesthetically pleasing teeth we are able to.

The building blocks of the Hollywood smile

The red carpet and your own smile would never come close to having the sparkle that it does without ancient humans and those in the middle ages taking the time to lay the groundwork for modern cosmetic dentistry. There is evidence to suggest that we have wanted to improve the appearance of our teeth for as long as 3000 years, when we used sticks to brush them with. The first bristle toothbrush, a design that almost all modern brushes are derived from, was only released to the public in the late 1400s and was made from animal hair!

The grim and golden years

There isn’t a whole lot of information that’s been left to us regarding the establishment of cosmetic dentistry practices, but what we do know is that we have been using various materials over the years to replace and restore our teeth. Somewhere around 700 BC, the Etruscans were making dentures from ivory and bone, and before that we even used human or animal teeth. This was a concept that was to endure to the point that George Washington was the recipient of dentures created from both animal and human teeth. The Ancient Egyptians used to make toothpaste from pumice stone and vinegar in order to keep their smiles looking good, and the early Romans even used toothpaste that had urine as one of its key ingredients.

The birth of modern cosmetic dentistry

Over the course of several hundred years, cosmetic dentistry was in a state of flux and experimentation that meant we tried a lot of different things to make our smiles prettier; some of them worked and some of them definitely did not. It was really only in the 1800s that we even considered metal for dental implants and that ended…unfortunately. But our ability to create prosthetics began to improve and it was only shortly after when porcelain was introduced to satisfactory effect. Since then, we have been able to harness the power of professional teeth whitening treatments and veneers that can last you longer than ever. Our teeth whitening treatments can brighten your smile by up to 8 shades in the space of just a few weeks and our veneers are constructed from the most natural-looking and durable materials around. If you would like more information, or to book an appointment at All About Teeth, your local dentist in Townsville, please contact us today.

How to look after your teeth and gums

How to look after your teeth and gums

Your gums and teeth lay the foundation of your dental health and we aim to help you through your hygiene journey.

What makes your gums unhealthy?

Plaque can be one of the main reason’s behind unhealthy gums, as the bacteria from it can cause infections and lead to many other serious dental diseases. For your gums to stay healthy, you need to develop healthy dental hygiene if you don’t have one already. Brushing your teeth daily is a good way to start. Also, ensure that you use an antibacterial mouth wash and floss daily.

Floss is important because it reaches areas like your gum line where your toothbrush may struggle to reach. What we consume is also very important, as eating foods that are high in sugar and starch all the time can be bad for your dental hygiene. If you reach a stage where you have too much plaque, it can irritate your gums and can lead to diseases like gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth loss.

There are other factors though that can cause harm to your gums, including:

  1. Changes in hormones – hormonal changes often occur during pregnancy, menopause and menstruation periods in women. This can affect your gum’s sensitivity, which can lead to gingivitis to develop. Additionally, in men and women, the hormonal changes during puberty can also cause an imbalance that makes your gums sensitive and susceptible to gum disease.
  2. That little bit of Nicotine – smoking can affect your gum tissue and this makes it harder for your gums to repair themselves, which in turn makes it easier for them to get infected by bacteria.
  3. Poor hygiene routine – as easy as it sounds to brush and floss your teeth daily, the hectic lives we live may make it seem difficult, so you need to be careful with your dental routine and make sure you stick to it. Not brushing or flossing makes it easy for gingivitis to develop.

Do your teeth need more attention than your gums?

Your teeth are just as sensitive as your gums; they need daily attention and care. There a few ways you can make sure that you’re taking good care of your teeth to avoid them being infected. Here are a few symptoms that could be a warning sign of problem teeth:

  1. Toothache – this could be an indication that you have a cavity or gum disease. Or, it could also be a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. If it’s not treated, you could end up losing your tooth.
  2. Cracked or broken teeth – brittle teeth are an indication that is suffering from some deficiency. Using x-rays, we’re able to determine the problem that often can’t be seen by the naked eye, particularly if there are small cracks present. If you experience any pain while chewing, book an appointment with us so we can do a full check up to find out the cause.

Looking after your gums and teeth in Townsville and Ayr

Even if you maintain a healthy oral routine, it’s imperative to have regular dental checkups where you can have your teeth professionally cleaned. If you would like to book an appointment with All About Teeth, your local Townsville dentist, or make an enquiry, please feel free to contact us today.

What you need to know about sleep apnoea

What you need to know about sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a breathing condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

At All About Teeth, we offer our Queensland patients an opportunity to take back their quality of life by restoring their quality of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea can often be difficult to diagnose on your own which is why it is imperative that you come in to see us if severe snoring is starting to affect your daily life. While it is true that snoring is a common problem among many adults, it is also the hallmark symptom of sleep apnoea which is why so many people suffer silently with this potentially dangerous condition. You might be wondering quite why you would need a dentist to treat your snoring and by extension your sleep apnoea. The answer is that as dentists we have a thorough understanding of the relationship between your jaws, nose and throat. This knowledge allows us to treat your sleep apnoea simply and effectively and to offer ongoing support to patients who suffer from severe snoring.

What causes snoring?

Snoring is not only something that causes concern but can also disrupt the quality of you and your partner’s sleep. Airway and breathing disorders are caused by an obstruction due to a deviated septum (your nose being bent), thin nasal passages, mouth breathing, misaligned bites, chronic allergies, slender jaws or a narrow throat and any combination of these factors. Snoring itself is caused by the vibration of the soft tissues at the back of your throat. During sleep, your muscles become relaxed and the structures in your throat then partially block your airway and result in the shuttering of these tissues and the sound that we associate with snoring. Typically, snoring is more prevalent in patients who are overweight and have too much soft tissue towards the back of their throats.

So what is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea refers to the condition whereby your breathing is stopped completely by a blockage in your airway and it can have far more serious consequences than simply snoring. Every time that you experience an apnoea episode, your breathing is halted and the brain sends a message to the rest of your body, telling it to wake up so that it can reopen the airway. In some cases, this happens several times in a night but you aren’t necessarily awake enough in order to know what has happened. Sleep apnoea causes constant interruption, night after night, and results in massive disruption to your natural sleep cycle that robs you of the requisite quality sleep in order to function properly during the day. Because sleep apnoea is often thought of as just snoring, it can go unnoticed and undiagnosed for many years. Maybe you have already accepted the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with being asleep apnoea sufferer or perhaps it is something that has started recently either way, it is never too late to seek expert treatment for sleep apnoea.

The symptoms of sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea’s biggest and most obvious symptom is snoring but there are numerous other signs to look out for. If you find yourself waking up for no apparent reason several times during the night, experience excessive daytime fatigue or snore loudly then we strongly urge you to come in to see us as these are some of the clearest indicators of sleep apnoea. Additionally, if you toss and turn while you sleep and find that your breathing is disrupted or you gag or gasp for air, these are also signed that you may be suffering from sleep apnoea. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can cause a host of more serious health concerns such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, impotence and weight gain. If you would like to know more about our sleep apnoea treatments, or to make an appointment with us, please contact us today.

Family Oral Health Tips – Dental Health Week 2019

Family Oral Health Tips – Dental Health Week 2019

Here at All About Teeth, we’re promoting Dental Health Week 2019 by providing our patients with essential oral health tips and tricks.

A healthy smile is a foundation for every beautiful smile. We’re celebrating 2019 Dental Health Week and are excited to promote the Australian Dental Association’s tips for maintaining excellent oral health as a family.

Baby/Toddler Oral Health Tips

  1. To clean your baby’s teeth – use a damp washcloth and gently rub their gums.
  2. As teeth start to appear, start to introduce a soft, child-size toothbrush.
  3. Don’t use toothpaste until they are around 18 months of age. It is recommended to use child-strength fluoride toothpaste.
  4. Visit a dentist when the first lot of teeth appears or by 12 months.
  5. Brush twice daily and floss teeth that touch together.

Children Oral Health Tips

  1. Floss teeth that touch together.
  2. Use child-strength toothpaste – Your dentist may recommend other alternatives. They can start using adult strength toothpaste when your child is 9 years old.
  3. Make brushing fun – Play a song or use an appropriate smartphone application as a reminder to brush for the recommended two minutes.

General Oral Health Tips

  1. Brush twice a day and floss – remember that brushing does not remove plaque between teeth.
  2. Drink heaps of water-consuming water after meals can help to flush out food particles and also strengthen your teeth.
  3. Limit sugar intake – Each time you eat foods containing sugar, you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth. This can result in tooth decay.
  4. Chew sugar-free gum – Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can prompt your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps to neutralise decay-causing acid attacks.

If you would like more information about the services the team at All About Teeth offers for maintaining excellent oral health, contact us today. The Australian Dental Association also has several resources available to also help with your oral health.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Symptoms and Removal

Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Symptoms and Removal

Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Symptoms And Removal

Noticing pain from third molars? You might have impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come through and usually don’t affect the other teeth. For most patients, the wisdom teeth start to emerge around the ages of 17 and 25 years.  However, due to the reduction of space, they can impact other teeth. When this occurs, it prevents the wisdom teeth from being able to come through. It is often referred to as impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Symptoms

  1. Pain – Pain from a wisdom tooth can occur in different ways. This can include an infection occurring around the tooth or can occur as result of pressure coming from the wisdom tooth and then impacting the teeth beside it.
  2. Bad Breath – Once the wisdom tooth starts to slowly come through the gums, it can often be hard to keep clean. This makes it easy for bacteria to grow and form as the result of food debris getting stuck within the gums. As a result of this, it can create a bad odour as well as leaving a foul taste in the mouth.
  3. Swelling of gums – Usually one of the first signs of impacted wisdom teeth is the swelling of the gums. They are usually very tender to touch and can often bleed when brushing and flossing.
  4. Difficulty when opening mouth – When the wisdom teeth and surrounding gums get infected, this can result in difficulty opening your mouth.
  5. Cysts forming – Cysts, which are small packets of fluids, can start to form around the area of the wisdom tooth. Not only can a cyst destroy bone, but it can also cause damage to the gums and other teeth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal

Here at All About Teeth, we have made sure that the removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a comfortable and easy procedure.

The process of removing wisdom teeth involves 3 steps:

  1. Before undergoing the removal procedure, an injection of local anesthetic will be given to numb the tooth as well as the surrounding areas.
  2. A small cut is made to the gum, if the tooth hasn’t gone through the gum line.
  3. Some pushing and pressure may be noticed as the dentist removes the tooth.

lthough each patient’s procedure is different, it can take anywhere from around a few minutes all the way up to an hour.

Some patients may require or choose to see the specialists for removal under General Anesthetic.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth – All About Teeth

If you are noticing pain or inflamed gums from around your third molars, it is recommended that you contact us and scheduled an appointment with one of our experienced team members before the wisdom teeth start to cause damage to other teeth or the jaw.

How sugar rots your teeth

How sugar rots your teeth

Stay safe from sugar this Christmas

You may be wondering if we are telling you not to enjoy the cakes, cookies, chocolates and other desserts this Christmas.

Well the good news is you can! We are only recommending a few tips to help keep your teeth and gums safe!

What does sugar do?

Your mouth contains bad bacteria, which can be found in plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that forms on the surface of our teeth.

These harmful bacteria are the reason why consuming sugar is so bad for our teeth. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria found in plaque feeds on the sugar. This process turns the sugars into acid that attacks and eats away enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities.

It’s important to brush your teeth around thirty minutes after eating food to wash away the sugars to prevent the bacteria from forming acid.

What do these acids do?

Acids released by the bad bacteria in plaque begin a process called demineralisation. This process removes minerals from the protective enamel layer on your teeth.

If you always eat sugary foods, you are at higher risk of increased acid levels. Acid leads to the eventual destruction of your enamel due to the mineral loss, resulting in tooth decay and cavities.

Thankfully, saliva also helps in fighting these acids as it contains calcium and phosphate, which work to restore and strengthen enamel. However, do not rely on saliva to protect your teeth, as acid will always win.

It is important to take care of your teeth and clean plaque, acids and excess sugars away as often as possible.

How to reduce acid:

  1. Reduce sugar intake over long periods of time: Eating one piece of cake in one sitting is preferable to sucking on a candy for an hour. This is because your teeth need time to recover and remineralise to fight tooth decay after acid attacks from your last consumption. Snacking all day or sucking on a candy for an hour does not allow time for your teeth to recover!
  2. Snack in a single sitting: Eating one piece of cake in one sitting is preferable to sucking on a candy for an hour. This is because your teeth need time to recover and remineralise to fight tooth decay after acid attacks from your last consumption.
  3. Limit sugar intake: Swap out sugary products for less sugary products. Try drinking water instead of sodas and eating healthy snacks for sugary sweets. And yes, there are delicious healthy snacks too!
  4. Stimulate saliva flow: Saliva contains minerals to coat your teeth and also helps to prevent plaque from building up. Chewing sugar-free gum are good options for stimulating saliva flow after meals.
  5. Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps with remineralising your enamel to reduce tooth decay and chances of cavities. Our friendly dentists from All About Teeth located in Townsville provide treatment for tooth decay, cavities and a range of other dental issues. We recommend visiting the dentist every six months and whenever else you may have a dental problem. If you would like to know more about oral health or to book your appointment, contact us here.

Top tips for maintaining good oral health

Top tips for maintaining good oral health

It’s very important to take care of your oral health, so that you can maintain a fresh breath and healthy smile.

There are many people who do not realise that maintaining good oral care does not include only brushing and a swish of mouthwash.

Maintaining good oral care is much more complex than that.

There are many things you can be doing to maintain a healthy smile, and we will cover some of the top tips for it.

 

Tips for a healthy smile, include:

Brushing twice and flossing daily:

The foremost important daily routine is brushing and flossing to keep healthy teeth and gums by cleaning away plaque and other harmful bacteria. Both brushing and flossing are good prevention methods for gum disease too.

It is recommended to change your toothbrush every three months and to use fluoride toothpastes, to help strengthen enamel.

As for flossing, this can be done using traditional floss or interdental brushes.

Get a good toothbrush:

For manual toothbrushes, we recommend a soft bristled brush as they are gentler on your teeth and gums and can remove plaque just as well.

Medium and hard bristled toothbrushes can cause damage to your enamel and cause your gums to recede without cleaning any better.

The best toothbrush that you can buy are electric toothbrushes, they have been proven to remove more plaque more effectively if used well. Electric toothbrushes are also easier for people with hand conditions and arthritis to use.

Avoid sugary and acidic foods:

There are plenty of foods which will cause decay and rot your teeth very quickly. This includes foods that are high in sugar contents and acidity.

Acidic drinks include lemon juice (or added to water), alcohol, fizzy drinks, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks to name a few.

Sugary foods and drinks include lollies, candy, soft drinks and chocolate.

What does sugar do to your teeth?

Sugar is so harmful for our teeth, because the bacteria within plaque feeds off it to produce acids. These acids are the culprit which eats through your enamel, leading to tooth decay and other issues.

What foods and drinks stain your teeth?

Did you know coffee, tea and red wine are huge contributors to stained teeth?

We all love these drinks, but they are very good at staining teeth. It’s best to drink less and rinse out your mouth with water after consuming them.

Make sure you learn which foods contribute to staining of teeth and choose whether to avoid them or not.

Drink water!

Drinking water is important for your oral hygiene, as it washes away excess acids, food particles and debris. Plus, it is important as it helps maintain the balance of bodily fluids, after all our bodies are about 60% water.

Water helps digestion, circulation, transport nutrients, maintains body temperature and creates saliva.

Regular six-monthly dental visits:

It’s important to maintain your regular six-monthly dental check-ups, so that a dental professional can examine your overall dental health.

The dentist will perform a full oral examination, including dental x-rays, if needed to ensure you have no issues.

Furthermore, the dentist will professionally clean your teeth, to remove stains, discolouration and the calcified bacteria (calculus) that can’t be removed with regular brushing.

It is also recommended to get your dental treatment done in a timely manner, to reduce chances of other issues occurring.

Our team at All About Teeth in Townsville recommend that you follow these tips, so that you can maintain your healthiest smile. We offer a range of treatments, from general check-ups and cleans to more involved treatments. For more information or to book an appointment with our dentists, please contact us here.

Symptoms and Prevention of Gum Disease

Symptoms and Prevention of Gum Disease

Are your gums sore, swollen, or tender? Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush? Is bad breath a constant issue?

These are all signs that gum disease may be an issue for you. Gum disease is sneaky and hard to diagnose in early stages; which is why seeing a dentist is important.

We think now is the perfect time to reinstate that visiting the dentist every six months is so crucial for maintaining good oral health and catching onto dental issues early. Even if you have excellent dental health, visiting for regular checkups is still important.

Now, please read on to find out more information on gum disease!

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissues, which is typically caused by bad oral hygiene due to a lack of cleaning and flossing. Not cleaning properly, allows for bacteria to thrive and multiply inside your mouth. Which in effect increases chances of tooth decay and gums becoming infected.

Early gum disease is called Gingivitis and can be treated by cleaning and flossing; while more advanced gum disease, is known as Periodontitis and requires dental treatment.

Symptoms of early gum disease (Gingivitis)

  1. Redness of swelling in the gums
  2. Bleeding gums, especially while brushing or flossing

Gum disease slowly damages the gums and forms pockets between the gum and roots of the teeth; where bacteria can become trapped leading to more serious dental issues.

Do not let these symptoms stop you from brushing and flossing, as good oral hygiene is the way to reverse these symptoms. Please use a soft bristled toothbrush and take care while thoroughly cleaning.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

  1. Bleeding and swollen gums: Gums infected by gum disease are tender, swollen and will bleed; usually while brushing, flossing and eating.
  2. Bad breath and or taste: Doesn’t go away after cleaning and is usually the result of plaque and toxin buildups.
  3. Receding gums: The tissue around the tooth is eroding, eventually exposing the roots to bacteria.
  4. Tenderness while chewing and biting: Tooth sensitivity can be a sign and is caused by the loss of enamel, exposing the underlying surface of the tooth.
  5. Loose or moved teeth: Gum recession and pockets overtime will loosen teeth as the structure is eroding.
  6. Tooth loss: Gum recession and damages to the root and bone can eventually cause loss of teeth.

Periodontitis is the advanced form of gum disease and has many signs and symptoms and can lead to more serious health concerns if left untreated.

The periodontium is the name of the group of structures that surround your teeth by keeping them firmly in place; and the gum is the protective layer for the periodontium.

Pockets in the gums caused by gingivitis, trap bacteria which leads to periodontitis; the inflammation of the periodontium, which also affects the cementum (covering of the tooth root) and the bone that connects the tooth root to the jawbone.

These bacteria will cause damage to the periodontium and can cause bone loss and damage, larger gaps, receding gums, loose teeth and eventually loss of teeth.

Treatment from a dental professional for periodontitis is required, as simple brushing and flossing at home will not reverse the damage.

How to treat gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease)

Early gum disease can be resolved by thorough brushing and flossing at home to maintain a healthy mouth and kill bad bacteria.

Later forms of gum disease cannot be remedied at home. Dental treatment is required to fix issues caused by periodontitis. The dentist will create a treatment plan for you.

How to prevent gum disease

Gum disease is easy to prevent by practicing good oral hygiene habits and minimising plaque build ups.

We recommend:

  1. Brushing twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
  2. Flossing once a day to remove debris between teeth
  3. Mouthwashes are great at eliminating bad bacteria
  4. Visiting the dentist every 6 months for a checkup and professional clean
  5. Maintain a healthy diet
  6. Avoiding consuming too much sugar

f you still need more information or think you suffer from early signs of gum disease, our friendly team at All About Teeth in Townsville is here for you. Please feel free to ask any questions or book in an appointment by contacting us here.

Why regular dental check-ups are so important

Why regular dental check-ups are so important

Preventative dentistry is the cornerstone of good oral health.

Here at All About Teeth we urge all our Townsville patients to come in for regular dental check-ups so that we can keep your mouth clean and healthy. Self-diagnosis when it comes to oral health concerns can be very difficult and unless you are in pain you won’t even be able to notice most of the issues. The only way to make sure that your smile and your oral hygiene are at their best is to come to us so that we can do a professional check-up and clean and to screen you for any other concerns. Using regular dental check-ups, we can focus our energy on helping you to take care of and maintain your beautiful smile. While we do offer a comprehensive range of dental care that includes dental implants, tech whitening, orthodontics and crowns and bridges, the most effective method of giving you the smile you deserve is to assess, treat and in some cases prevent these problems before they even occur. One of the most important facets of preventative dentistry is educating you on the finer points of what makes for good oral hygiene and that is what we try to do here. Gum disease is the biggest contributor to a deterioration of oral health and if we can detect it early enough, we can get rid of it completely or at least manage it if it has become too advanced.

What Is gum disease?

When tartar is allowed to go on unchecked, there are all sorts of bacteria that can build up inside it and these bacteria can cause the production of certain toxins that irritate and inflame your gums. Not only this, but they can also begin to negatively affect the integrity of your bones and the structures that are supporting your teeth. Gum disease in its latter stages is known as gingivitis and is also the biggest cause of tooth loss in adult patients. Once your tooth is lost the bones in your jaw can begin to dissolve and thus jeopardise your ability to receive restorative dentistry treatments like dental implants. Treating gum disease in its early stages is the most effective way of battling back against its effects but if left untreated, the damage may become irreversible and this could lead to a whole host of other dental problems that are far more difficult and expensive to rectify. This is another reason why regular dental check-ups are so important. What many patients don’t know is that aside from wreaking havoc with your dental health, gum disease can also have a significant effect on the rest of your body.

How do I prevent gum disease?

Your gums are the supporting cast to your teeth, but they are just as important when considering oral health and the benefits of regular dental check-ups are the best way in which we can preserve and improve your situation. Brushing your teeth, a minimum of twice a day and flossing after meals are, of course, an integral part of keeping your mouth clean but problems can arise even you are very diligent with regards to your own hygiene. It is almost impossible to clean every single part of your smile correctly and when you miss these smaller sections plaque can begin to thrive and encourage the formation of tartar on your teeth. Once the plaque reaches the stage known as tartar, it can no longer be removed by brushing and flossing and you will need to come in to have a professional clean in order to get rid of it. This is why regular dental check-ups are so important for not only your oral health but your general health as well. Diet is also another way of ensuring that you don’t suffer from the effects of gum disease, but it should be done in conjunction with coming in for professional check-ups and cleaning sessions. Any sweet, sticky or soft foods that contain loads of sugars are obviously more likely to cause your teeth problems and cutting these out of your diet can go a long way to preventing gum disease. To make an appointment with your local Townsville dentist, or to find out more about our dental check-ups and professional cleaning services, please contact us today.