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Gum disease may not sound serious but left unchecked it can have damaging effects on your teeth.

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a common condition affecting the visible surface of the tissue surrounding your teeth but can also extend to the roots, ligaments that connect the root to the bone, and the jaw itself. At this stage it is called periodontitis. Around 15 per cent of the population suffers from a significant degree of periodontitis, according to the Australian Dental Association.

Periodontitis affects the ligament and bone supporting the teeth. A pocket between the tooth and gum can develop, becoming a trap for bacteria and ultimately causing infection and tooth loss.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums bleeding when you brush your teeth
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Receding gums
• Sensitive teeth or gums
• Shifting or loose teeth.

In most cases gum disease can be arrested and further damage prevented. 

Treatment includes:

• Home care: brushing and flossing
• Professional cleaning above and below the gum line
• Regular check-ups
• Eliminating risk factors such as smoking.

Since gum diseases advance over time it is critically important to have regular check-ups, especially as you get older.

Call our practice on (07) 3284 7112 to book an appointment in Clontarf with the expert team who know and understand dental care.

ving Anxiety From Your Dental Appointment

If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. It is a universal phenomenon.

We use the term ‘dental anxiety’ when someone has anxiety, stress or even fear when going to see a dentist. This anxiety may result in delaying going or avoiding treatment altogether.

Signs and Symptoms of Dental Phobia:

If you suffer from Dental anxiety, you may notice the following symptoms when faced with attending a Dental appointment:

• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Feeling stressed, crying, and experiencing panic attacks
• Missing dental appointments purposely

Why are we scared of the dentist?

There are many reasons why some people experience dental anxiety. Some of the common reasons include:

• A previous traumatic experience
• An existing trauma to you neck or head area
• Other trauma such as abuse
• A generalized anxiety disorder/s
• Trust issues or a fear of not being in control
• Concerns for your personal space and privacy

At Australia Dental we understand the struggle of coming to the dentist for some. It is not a common area we would find our selves in often and that is why it feels so unnatural. It is important to know what avoiding the dentist can do our oral health, we miss the vital early signs of decay, often seeing a dentist every 6 months will save you money in the long run as expensive treatment is stopped in its tracks! At Australia Dental we prefer to do preventative dentistry rather than restorative!

What Can I Do to Help Calm Myself Down at the Dentist? 

For some you do not even have to be in the chair all you have to do is think about taking a trip to the dentist and that is enough to push them over the edge. Here at Australia dental we do everything in our power to ensure each and every one of our patients is as comfortable as can be.

Some of the coping techniques people may use include:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Distraction (such as listening to music or the use of TV screens)
• Happy gas

Happy gas or laughing gas, nitrous oxide can help people relax during dental treatment. You will feel relaxed but will still be awake. You can talk to the dentist and hear what they say to you. At Australia Dental we have installed TV screens above our patients’ chairs to help you focus on something other than the procedure. We will also take the time to talk to you through treatment options and tailor a treatment plan to suit your level of dental anxiety. Remember, you are in control throughout the procedure. All you have to do is raise your hand to signal the dentist. The dentist will stop and allow you to focus your breathing and mediation and they won’t continue again until you feel comfortable.