Three in every 10 Australian adults suffer from moderate to severe gum disease*, and while the condition is very common, it can also be quite dangerous. When left untreated, periodontal disease can gradually develop from its earliest stages to an irreversible condition. Scarier yet, patients with periodontal disease are generally at least twice as likely to experience heart problems or strokes.*
Thankfully, there are ways to detect early-stage gum disease (known as “gingivitis”) before it wreaks havoc on your mouth. For example, bleeding gums are often an indication. While infrequent bleeding is not necessarily cause for alarm, bleeding every time you brush or floss – especially if this symptom is accompanied by bad breath or swelling – should not be taken lightly.
If you’re experiencing chronic bleeding in the gums, we encourage you to give The Paddington Dental Surgery a call. Whether you’re dealing with gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease (i.e. periodontitis), our friendly dental team can manage the condition using scaling and root planing, laser therapy or a more intensive surgical procedure.
No matter the specifics of your case, we are on your side! Contact The Paddington Dental Surgery today to schedule your first-time appointment.
Medical References*
HealthDirect
Harvard University*
Are you unsatisfied with teeth that appear disproportionately short? If so, you’re not alone; many of our patients face this same aesthetic issue, which can be caused by various oral concerns. For instance, certain patients may have chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth, which can cause the smile to take on a “stunted” appearance. Many of our other patients complain of a “gummy smile,” which occurs when gum tissue covers a large part of the teeth. Additionally, many are simply born with teeth that are too small in comparison to the rest of their face or mouth.
Thankfully, this common concern can be addressed with a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures performed every day at The Paddington Dental Surgery. Our dental team can mask your short teeth and enhance the natural beauty of your smile with one of the following procedures.
If you suffer from a “gummy smile,” a gum reshaping treatment can reduce excess gum tissue to achieve a more balanced aesthetic. Using the Odyssey® Diode Laser, our dentists can reshape your gums in a virtually painless, minimally-invasive treatment. This state-of-the-art device also typically makes for a quicker procedure with little to no recovery time.
Alternatively, if your teeth appear shorter than average because of wear and tear, chips, or cracks, porcelain veneers may be your ideal solution. These thin, durable strips of material can be placed over abnormally short teeth to create a more symmetrical, proportionate smile. Our dentists customise each set of veneers to seamlessly match your natural teeth in shape, size, and colour.
Often, patients who want to reduce the appearance of short teeth opt for a personalised Smile Makeover. Our Smile Makeovers include a combination of multiple cosmetic procedures, from veneers and gum recontouring to Invisalign® and teeth whitening. We will consult with you to come up with a treatment plan that satisfies each of your unique aesthetic goals.
For more information about addressing short teeth or to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team, don’t hesitate to contact The Paddington Dental Surgery.
Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing can be caused by many factors. If you just adopted a flossing routine, your gums may not be accustomed to the process yet. Vitamin deficiencies, ill-fitting dentures, and certain blood-thinning medications can also cause gums to bleed easily. In other cases, it can be a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease that can lead to swollen, inflamed, or bleeding gums while brushing and flossing. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis. At the late stages of gum disease, it is important to seek professional dental help to avoid permanent tissue damage and tooth loss.
Poor oral hygiene encourages bacteria and plaque to build up on teeth, which is the primary cause of gingivitis. Preventative dental habits such as brushing twice and flossing once a day, as well as using an ADA-recommended mouthwash can remove a fair amount of plaque. Unfortunately, plaque and tartar may accumulate in areas that cannot be reachable without the help of a dental professional. Routine dental cleanings and exams twice a year can remove plaque and bacteria in deeper, hidden areas. If you show signs of periodontitis, you may need periodontal treatment to reduce the effects of gum disease and avoid potential complications in the future. A popular treatment option that The Paddington Dental Surgery offers is non-surgical scaling and root planing (SRP). These two techniques are performed together to remove plaque and calculus from teeth, root surfaces, and under the gumline. Our practice also offers laser periodontal treatments for qualified patients. Overall, prioritising good dental habits, visiting your dentist for checkups, and contacting your dental office when you start showing symptoms are considered the best ways to keep your gums healthy from periodontal disease.
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist if you are experiencing bleeding gums to determine the underlying issue. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to learn more about periodontal treatment.
