“The participating dentist I visited was very professional. He did a great job fixing 2 chipped teeth. And I saved $600 in just 2 visits. An investment of $99.95 for a 2 year membership is damn good.”

Martin Hyson – Five Dock

Members are saying...

“I was delighted with the price! I didn’t have to mortgage the house for my dental needs. I will also go to the dentist more often now as it's very affordable...and I’ve told other people about this service.”

Janet Mitchell – Darling Point

Members are saying...

“I’m so glad for discovering NobleDentist. I saved over $600 at the dentist. And I still have 11 months on my membership. I’m considering teeth whitening.”

Tracey Cawley – Yeronga

Members are saying...

“My family will never attend the dentist without being members of NobleDentist. Our visits to the dentist were pleasant and we saved alot of money.”

Teresa Parker – Clayfield

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“It cost me $99.95 to save $750. I travelled further than usual to visit a dentist but it was worth it for those savings. Thank you NobleDentist.”

Lisa Reynolds – Toorak

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“Our usual dentist quoted $700 more for a crown than NobleDentist. I'm sure we will save much more than $1000 once my husband and children visit the dentist.”

Belinda Edwards – Ashwood

Periodontal Disease & Prevention

Members of NobleDentist save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at participating dentists throughout Australia. Joining NobleDentist for 24 months is just $99.95. To learn more, click on dentist.

By the time people reach adulthood, their teeth and gingivae, or gums, have had quite a workout. When gums are healthy, they continue to fit snugly around the teeth. Many adults, however, develop some type of periodontal, or gum disease – an infection of the tissues that support their teeth.

Some researchers suggest that there may be a link between gum disease and other health concerns such as cardiovascular problems, stroke, bacterial pneumonia and increased risk during pregnancy. More studies are needed to determine if the bacteria or the inflammatory response associated with gum diseases play a role in these systemic problems.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth, gums become irritated and inflamed. The irritated gum tissue can separate from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. Bacteria move into the pockets, where they continue to promote irritation. Left untreated, the process can continue until the bone and other tooth-supporting tissues are destroyed.

The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. It often results in gums that are red and swollen and may bleed easily. The good news is that this early stage is usually reversible. Sometimes, all it takes are more regular professional cleanings and better home care.

Prevention of Periodontal Disease

Regular check ups are important. During an examination, your gums are evaluated for periodontal disease. Participating dentists look at many things including the colour and firmness of the gums. A very small instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently measure the space between the teeth and gums. This determines whether periodontal pockets are present. The normal space between teeth and healthy gums should be three millimeters or less. Generally, the more advanced the gum disease, the greater the pocket size.

Except in unusual cases, you can help prevent gum disease by brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner once a day. A participating dentist may provide additional instructions on cleaning methods or products you can use at home. Avoiding tobacco use and other healthy measures such as eating a balanced diet are important in preventing periodontal disease.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may not remove all the plaque especially around the gum line. Plaque can harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus or tartar. Once hardened, it can be removed only in the dental practice during your regular cleaning.

Warning Signs for Periodontal Disease

You may not be aware that you have gum disease because often there is no pain. There are warning signs, however, and you should call a participating dentist if you experience any of the following:

Gums that bleed during brushing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistent bad breath
Pus between the teeth and gums
Loose or separating teeth
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
A change in the fit of partial dentures

If you enjoyed this article, you can read other similar articles by clicking on Your Oral Health.

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