Dental Health Week 2024

5thAugust to 11th August 2024

Dental Health Week is Australian Dental Association’s annual awareness week highlighting the importance of oral health care. This year, the ADA is putting the spotlight on gum health because without healthy gums, you cannot have a healthy mouth.

Gingivitis or Periodontitis is the most common gum disease. Following video from Australian Dental Association explains how gum disease develops.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the most prevalent form of gum disease, often resulting from inadequate oral hygiene that allows bacteria to accumulate around the gums. This condition can lead to inflamed gums, which may appear swollen and bleed during brushing. Unlike healthy gums, which do not bleed, bleeding gums are an indicator of disease.

Gingivitis is treatable through enhanced daily oral care, including thorough brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing and using interdental brushes to clean in-between teeth. Professional dental cleaning from your dentist on regular basis is necessary.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis, a more severe gum disease also known as periodontal disease, arises from harmful oral bacteria. It leads to the loss of bone that supports the teeth, forming ‘pockets’ around them where more bacteria can gather, potentially causing the gums to recede, teeth becoming loose.

A dentist or a periodontist, must treat periodontitis. Without proper dental treatment, it may result in loss of teeth.

Common symptoms of gum disease include:
– Gums receding from the teeth
– Loose teeth
– Persistent bad breath
– Swollen gums
– Bleeding gums during brushing

Risk factors for gum disease include:
– Inadequate oral hygiene, not seeing your dentist regularly
– Health conditions like diabetes
– Smoking, past or present
– Genetic predisposition to periodontitis