The overall health of your mouth is extremely important to us and just like beautiful white teeth; your well contoured, firm, pink gums should compliment your smile.

Effective oral hygiene is a lifelong habit that once correctly established will generally maintain all facets of your smile, but there are some symptoms that dentists are trained to detect that impact on not just the health of your mouth but on your general health as well.

Periodontal disease is not just occasional bleeding or mild recession of the gums; it is linked to many other aspects of our health including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Some is unfortunately genetically linked and exacerbated by certain lifestyle choices.

Hopkins Dental Dentists are trained to recognise the early signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and to aid you in treatment choices and maintenance of your mouth for life.

Utilising the general dental examination, all aspects of the oral cavity are assessed including the health of the soft tissues and the quality of home care.

Areas of excessive bleeding, swollen gums, alterations in taste or smell and increased mobility of teeth can all indicate aspects of gum disease. Periodontal disease can only be confirmed by measurement and radiography (Xrays) of the teeth and jaws.

Once the process has started, normal homecare is not adequate enough to halt disease progression; only a thorough evaluation and periodontal treatment can limit further damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.

This may include being referred to a specialist periodontist with extra maintenance performed by your dentist. In less severe cases, general dentists are more than capable of providing an excellent disease prevention program individually tailored to your needs.

In order to provide the best quality care for healthy gums, Hopkins Dental have introduced the Airflow Prophylaxis Master, a new way forward in providing effective, efficient and more advanced dental cleaning.

The Airflow uses a combination of heated water, micro-fine powder and antibacterial agents to remove the causative agents of early inflammation such as plaque (an invisible sticky film that builds on teeth naturally), immature calculus and the bacteria that inhabits it.

A significant proportion of the population are more susceptible to these bacteria which ultimately can destroy the attachment between the teeth and supporting structures, resulting in pain, mobility and in severe cases, tooth loss.

For a thorough assessment and early intervention or assistance with maintenance, rest assured you are in capable hands when visiting our practice.