Gum Treatments
“A brilliant practice who genuinely care about their patients – book an appointment, you won’t regret it.”
Taking Care of Your Gum Health
Regular professional cleaning at our Essex dental practice, combined with an effective home care routine, helps you keep your mouth healthy. Our team of registered practice hygienists have been professionally trained to the highest standards, and they work with you to ensure you are taking good care of your gums and teeth.
We tailor your hygienist appointments to deliver the care you need for healthy gums. If we notice that your periodontal (gum) care could use some improvement, we instruct you on how to keep your gums clean, or we recommend a dental treatment that can help correct the issue.
A clean and healthy mouth helps improve your appearance, maintains your natural teeth and gives you fresh breath.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection that loosens your gums and destroys the bone around the teeth. In many instances, it is entirely preventable. Patients who have gum disease may show symptoms that include gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding, bad breath, loose teeth, pus between the teeth and gums and more.
Our teeth are covered in a sticky and colourless film made up of plaque bacteria, known as biofilm. If this biofilm is not removed, it can build up around the area between the teeth and the gums, resulting in gum disease. The bacteria in the plaque biofilm can also use sugary food and drinks to produce acid that will break down enamel causing tooth decay.
Today’s technology enables patients to have effective and pain-free professional dental hygiene care.
The Dangers of Plaque, Tartar and Gum Disease
There are two major contributors to gum disease:
Dental plaque is the sticky film that forms on the surface of your teeth. Plaque can cause gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease.
Tartar is the hardened form of plaque, which can irritate the gums and sneak into the pockets that develop between your teeth and gums, causing the tooth surface to become rough, therefore attracting more plaque bacteria.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a new Swiss innovation offered by Courtyard Dental Practice. GBT has allowed dental hygienists to transform the patient experience. We exchange old-school methods for this revolutionary system that offers a lifetime of pain-free and fear-free oral healthcare for all ages.
GBT is done during regular cleanings and uses AirFlow technology to remove all mouth bacteria (biofilm) that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
This hygiene therapy is highly effective, minimally invasive and gentle. Even patients with gum disease, braces, crowns, bridges, veneers and implants are eligible for treatment. These procedures can be used on natural teeth, restorations, orthodontic braces, implants, the tongue and gums.
GBT is a great option for those who want to remove all stains resulting from coffee, tea, wine and tobacco consumption – however GBT should be done before receiving tooth whitening to achieve better results.
How does Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) work?
- We examine your mouth to identify any dental decay or gum disease, which determines your treatment needs.
- Your teeth are disclosed with a dye that makes biofilm visible and guides the biofilm removal process. This visibility also allows us to show you any problem areas to focus on with your oral hygiene routine at home.
- Depending on your needs, a combination of up to three cleaning systems are used to gently remove biofilm, staining and light deposits.
- We do a thorough final check to ensure all biofilm and deposits have been removed.
- Based on your oral hygiene and a risk assessment, your next appointment will be scheduled, usually in three to six months.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums at Home
- Brush and floss your teeth twice every day
- Limit your intake of sugar, as it prompts mouth bacteria to release acids that damage enamel and gum tissues
- Add more vitamin C sources to your diet; foods like broccoli and spinach help reduce tissue inflammation
- Quit bad habits, such as smoking, as you are 4-5 times more likely to develop gum disease due to smoking
Advanced Periodontal Care
Is It Time to Book an Appointment with Our Dental Hygienist?
Whether you forgot to schedule your next appointment, or you had to cancel your last check-up, make sure you get in to see our team of dental professionals. During your dental check-up, we focus on preventing future problems, which helps minimise any future treatments you may need.
Contact our Essex dental practice to book your next appointment.
