Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Gum Disease: Risks, Prevention, and Treatment for Lifelong Oral Health in Glen Iris.

It’s alarming that 3 out of 4 adults will experience gum disease (periodontal disease) during their lives, and adults over age 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities. The good news is your oral health isn’t just up to chance—gum disease can be prevented and effectively treated.

Prevention Is Key

The best approach is prevention through daily oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. Dr. Kaufman offers professional scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line. Smoother root surfaces allow gums to heal and halt further disease progression. After healing, twice-daily brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly checkups are essential to maintaining healthy gums.

Factors That Worsen Gum Disease

Certain lifestyle and health factors make gum disease more severe:

Reducing or managing these risks will have a significant impact on gum disease prevention.

Treatment Options

If you develop gum disease, Dr. Kaufman provides a range of non-surgical treatments: antibiotic therapy, reshaping biting surfaces, and laser-assisted scaling and root planing. If you need support or advice on managing gum disease, ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation.

What Is TMJ/TMD? Glen Iris Guide to Jaw Joint Pain and Solutions

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. You have one TMJ on each side, working together as a pair. These joints allow your jaw to move both as a hinge and to slide open wider—essential for chewing, speaking, swallowing, yawning, and even breathing.

TMJ Pain = TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

Because your TMJ is involved in so many daily actions, it’s prone to wear and problems. Disorders of this joint are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD), a complex and sometimes chronic condition usually causing pain in and around the jaw. TMD can limit your ability to chew, speak, and even express yourself with facial movements.

Common Causes of TMD

Glen Iris dentists also note that those with TMD commonly report other conditions, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, endometriosis, or fibromyalgia.

Simple TMD Symptom Relief Tips

  • Eat soft foods to reduce jaw strain

  • Apply ice packs to sore areas

  • Avoid extreme jaw movements (wide yawning, loud singing, gum chewing)

  • Practice stress reduction and jaw relaxation techniques

  • Try gentle jaw exercises for stretching and relaxing

If your TMJ pain continues or worsens, it’s important to make an appointment with your Glen Iris dentist at Tooronga Family Dentistry for a thorough assessment and personalized treatment.