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Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the inflammation and infection of the gums. Gum disease can occur where there is a build-up of plaque and tartar (calculus) on teeth which houses harmful bacteria. The best way to avoid gum disease is by establishing good oral hygiene patterns, cleaning and flossing your teeth daily to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.

The initial stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis (an inflammation of your gums). If you have gingivitis, you may have symptoms such as bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing), bad breath, gum redness or tenderness. Gingivitis is reversible and can be treated by regularly removing the plaque and tartar from teeth. A regular scale and clean by your dentist and maintaining your own daily oral hygiene habits will prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar and help keep your gums healthy.

If gingivitis is not treated and the inflammation and bacterial infection continues, it may progress to an advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. This stage of gum disease can cause serious damage to teeth and gums and may also impact on the bone supporting your teeth. The gums may start to recede or pull away from your teeth forming pockets between the gum and teeth. These pockets become harder to clean and the disease continues. As the infection progresses, the surrounding bone is impacted and in severe cases, teeth may become loose and require removal.

You may not be aware that you have gum disease so regular dental check-ups are important. The earlier gum disease is identified and treated, the better the long term outcome. Treatment of gum disease will vary depending upon the stage of gum disease present, however the aim of treatment remains the same, to stop or slow down the progress of disease and to help you introduce daily maintenance procedures that help keep your gums healthy.

Your dentist will look for signs of gum disease during your routine dental check-ups. Signs may include bleeding gums, red and swollen gums, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, or teeth which have become loose. Should you notice any of these signs, it is important to visit the dentist to discuss any concerns.

We recommend that you check your health cover before seeking treatment. You can call nib on 13 14 63 or log on to nib Online Services to review your dental cover and remaining annual limits.

 

Do you put off going to the dentist because you think it might hurt, or you hate the sound of the drill? Many patients avoid having their dental work done because they are nervous about it. It may be related to personal experience, experiences of others you’ve overheard, or exposure to books and movies that feature a scary dentist.

The truth about modern dentistry is that it is constantly improving. Fears that you may have had many years ago may very well now be a thing of the past. We’ve put together a few strategies to help you manage and overcome your anxiety about going to the dentist – and how to make good dental habits a normal part of life.

Make Visiting the Dentist Part of Your Routine
Afraid that a visit to the dentist may cause you pain? The worst thing you can do is put off going to see your Dentist, as regular dental check-ups mean that your Dentist can identify any problems and treat them before they get any worse.

A mistake people often make is waiting until they are in pain before they visit the dentist. By putting off your dental appointment until the pain is unbearable, you may be risking a more unfavourable outcome and more complex dental visit. While booking in for regular check-ups is the best course of action, it is important to book an appointment if you notice any discomfort. The longer you leave it, the more damage your dentist may need to repair.

Honesty is the Best Policy
Be honest with your dentist – they are no strangers to anxious patients and understand what you are feeling. At nib Dental Care Centres we care about your experience and provide nervous patients with solutions so they can undergo treatment without the anxiety.

Sleep Dentistry is a safe and comfortable way for nervous patients to visit the dentist. Sleep Dentistry involves having your dental work completed either in surgery under IV sedation at your nearest participating nib Dental Care Centre, or in hospital under general anaesthetic where you can sleep through the entire procedure. You can read more about Sleep Dentistry here.

Be Early
The last thing you want to do after you have gathered up enough courage to make a dental appointment is turn up to your appointment late and flustered. Try arriving at the Centre a little earlier to familiarise yourself with the environment and people.

Looking for a trusted dentist to offer you an affordable and comfortable check-up? Find your nearest nib Dental Care Centre by phoning 1300 345 300 or visit nibdental.com.au.

We recommend that you check your health cover before seeking treatment. You can call nib on 13 14 63 or log on to nib Online Services to review your dental cover and remaining annual limits.