Tooth and Gum Health

Prioritising the health of your teeth and gums is essential for overall well-being. Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for your teeth, while proper dental hygiene prevents gum disease and tooth decay. Through regular check-ups, cleanings, and personalised treatment plans, we ensure that your teeth and gums remain in optimal condition. Trust our experienced team to provide you with the guidance and support you need to achieve and maintain excellent tooth and gum health for a lifetime of smiles.

Read more about how to protect your teeth and gums below.

An individual tooth consists of that portion that is exposed above the gum line called the crown.

The part of the tooth that is buried in the gum and jaw is called the root.

The crown is covered by an outer layer of an especially hard substance related to bone called enamel.

Beneath the enamel, and sometimes exposed to the surface if the enamel is missing, is an intermediate layer of material called dentine, which is also similar to bone but is not nearly as hard as enamel. It surrounds an inner pulp cavity filled with pulp. The pulp or is a living vascular and well innervated tissue.

Blood vessels and nerves reach the pulp cavity through a channel called the root canal that penetrates the root.

An additional layer of bony material called cementum usually surrounds the root.

Gum recession is a common dental problem.

Most people don’t know they have gum recession because it occurs gradually.

The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity or you may notice a tooth looks longer than normal. Often a notch can be felt near the gum line.

If gums recede severely some of the tooth’s root will be exposed, this can make the tooth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and more prone to root decay.

With time and lack of attention further loss of bone attachment to the root may lead to loosening and eventual loss of the tooth.

Gingivitis is a disease of the gum tissue that surrounds a tooth.

The primary cause of gingivitis is a lack of oral hygiene. A bio film of bacteria called dental plaque starts to accumulate on teeth, particularly on the gum line.

The bacterium in the biofilm releases toxins. The body reacts to the toxins by causing an inflammation of the gums. The gums bleed easily when touched and can omit a foul odour.

To help prevent gingivitis start by brushing at least twice daily to remove any plaque build-up. Daily flossing will also help remove any bacteria in between the teeth. Along with scheduled visits to your dentist you can prevent gingivitis from becoming a severe oral health issue.

As a result of poor brushing technique and lack of oral hygiene, plaque and tartar build up on the surfaces of teeth.  Plaque is a mass of bacteria mixed with partially broken down food that sticks to the surface of teeth.

Tartar is hardened plaque, which is built up over an extended period of time. Without proper cleaning teeth can suffer from decay and gums can become infected and recede.

By using special instruments to scale off the deposits, the surfaces can be cleaned of any bacterial residue and any underlying issues such as tooth decay and gum recession can be revealed and treated.

Periodontitis is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth, resulting in shrinkage of the gums and loss of bony support.

A bio film of bacteria called dental plaque starts to accumulate on teeth particularly at the gum line. The bacteria in the bio film releases toxins. The body reacts to the toxins by causing an inflammation of the gums. The gums bleed easily when touched and can omit a foul odour.