ygienist, or a gum specialist. They are very well-trained in removing bacteria deposits under the gum. And that is crucial. And even if the gum infection is under control, the bacteria will always come back. And that’s why you still need to make sure you see your hygienist, dentist, or gum specialist regularly to make sure that the disease doesn’t come back.
Just like what you normally do, you continue to exercise on the daily basis in order to keep fit and healthy.
Dr. Chang: Yup. How often then should one who has got some gum disease be seeing their dentist or hygienist or periodontist?
Dr. Tang: In terms of the amount of time in between your visits with your dentist, hygienist, or gum specialist all depends on patient’s personal needs. But generally, once a patient’s gum condition is under control, we like to see them every six months for a regular reco and maintenance.
Dr. Chang: So now coming to people who are actually having their teeth straightened when we’re creating these straight and beautiful smiles on their teeth, I do know that for one, having really puffy gums can make any spaces, any gaps will be causing more difficulty. It can slow down the treatment. What about from the gum health point of view like it kind of move teeth when the gums are unhealthy or let’s say they were healthy before and then there are signs and now you know the bleeding gums and not cleaning well and they become unhealthy, how can it then affect in terms of their gum health?
Dr. Tang: So if this recurrence of gum infections during orthodontic treatment, there is an increased risk of further bone loss especially if you got forces being applied to move your teeth around. Really this is not something that you want. And so, gum infection has to be completely stable before, during, and after orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Chang: So in other words, it’s important to see your hygienist or your dentist or your gum dentist for these regular gum cleanings. Is that correct?
Dr. Tang: Clearly, yeah.
Dr. Chang: So lastly, can all dentists manage gum disease? I mean I know it sounds like a simple question. I often have patients who are saying, “Can I just go to my dentist and have my gums treated?”
Dr. Tang: Some general dentist and hygienist, they are capable in managing mild to moderate gum diseases. But as a gum specialist, we generally specialize in managing patients with gum disease of varying severity. And I’ve seen really bad ones. I’ve seen the really mild diseases. But whoever is able to stabilize their infections, that should be fine.
Dr. Chang: And to see a periodontist, do patients need a referral to see a periodontist?
Dr. Tang: Generally, patients are referred to us by their general dentist. But I’m happy to see patients without referral. But in saying that, they could easily get a referral from their general dentist or orthodontist. So at least, they would have gone through the screening process. Yeah.
Dr. Chang: So, thank you so much, Dr. Tang. I mean it has been lovely for your time today to share your insights into teeth and gum health and your many years of experience. How can a patient find out more about you?
Dr. Tang: Our clinic has a website. It’s called Specialist Dental Suite. We have a branch in Parramatta, Randwick. And we also have a location in Gladesville. So please feel free to send us emails or course if there are any queries. Thank you.
Dr. Chang: Thank you again, Dr. Teck. Lovely to have you.