Unsure if your gums are healthy? 5 things to look out for from our dentist at Brisbane

A key part of a healthy mouth is to have healthy gums. And while it can be all too easy to assume that if all of your teeth are pearly white your mouth is healthy, this may not actually be the case.

In fact, when you attend our surgery for your biannual check-up, you may be puzzled as to why our team pokes at your gum line with a pointed instrument. This is to check your gums for texture and sponginess, both of which can indicate good or bad gum health.

 

At Brisbane Laser, we are proud of the attention to detail that our dentist Coorparoo puts into their check-ups. We will ensure we check your mouth for issues, and if we discover any with your gum health, we will typically refer you on to our hygienist for further work with a scale and polish.

 

But what are some of the signs that your gums may need a trip to see our dentist Coorparoo soon? Read on to find out!

 

Redness and swelling

 

Healthy gums are visually a dark pink; pale gums can indicate anaemia, blue gums can point to infection and of course, red gums can point to periodontal disease.

 

If you notice that your gums feel sore when you brush, or they visually begin to turn a darker shade of red while also being swollen, come and see our dentist Coorparoo for a check-up.

 

Bleeding

 

A red flag highlighted on countless adverts about gum disease is if you brush your teeth and spit out blood, then this is a sign of one of the early stages of gingivitis. Or you could just be brushing a bit too hard! Either way, come and see our team!

 

We typically treat gingivitis with a scale and polish, but may also provide you with an antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste until the condition is resolved.

 

Metallic taste

 

Following on from bleeding gums, if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, chances are that your gum disease is a bit more advanced and your gums are now bleeding without pressure being applied to them by a toothbrush.

 

The treatment for this will involve a scale and polish, but will also require the mouthwash and toothpaste provided to be a bit stronger to destroy the bacteria present.

 

Bad breath

 

Bad breath is far more than a social faux-pas, it can be a sign that you have an excessive amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause a foul odour and taste that does not stop with brushing and flossing.

 

As you know, excess bacteria equates to gum disease, so if you can’t get rid of that bad breath, come and see our team for a check-up.

 

Excess saliva

 

Saliva does more for your body than you may realise; its presence in the mouth helps to dilute and destroy harmful bacteria.

 

If your body is producing excessive amounts of saliva, this can point to a large amount of plaque around teeth, which will need removing.

 

DISCLAIMER

 

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.