Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that can affect gum tissue and the bone that holds teeth in place.
If detected during its early stages, gum disease can be reversed, but if it is allowed to progress to periodontitis, it can only be managed. At Wigston Dental Care, we provide bespoke treatment to help keep your oral hygiene at its best.
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Gum disease is caused by the plaque that builds up daily on your teeth, which, if not removed, can become hard tartar. This build-up of plaque and tartar can irritate the gums, resulting in the body attacking any deposits around the teeth. In some people, their immune system can overreact and start to break down the gum tissue and even the bone that supports the tooth.
The first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, causes gums to become irritated and swollen, and to bleed easily. If this stage is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a more severe stage. This can cause gums to separate from the teeth, creating pockets that are susceptible to infection. Eventually, the teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. Despite the destructive nature of this process, there may only be mild symptoms even at a late stage.
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There are a number of factors that may increase your likelihood of developing severe gum disease, including:
The best way to prevent gum disease is to make sure plaque is removed effectively and regularly. This means having a good home care routine with plenty of brushing and flossing, and visiting the hygienist so teeth can be properly ‘scaled and polished’.
Other ways to reduce your risk of developing the disease include attending dental appointments, stopping smoking, reducing stress and eating a well-balanced diet.
Prevention is always better than cure, but gum disease can be treated and controlled. At the early stage, we can solve the condition with regular visits to the hygienist. Great interdental cleaning at home will also do much to keep gums clear of the disease.
For more serious cases of periodontitis, a dentist or periodontist can scale tartar from deeper below the gum line, using specialist tools to reduce bacteria and help you keep your natural teeth healthy and strong for longer. We use local anaesthetic for this treatment to minimise any discomfort.
Book your dental hygiene appointmentThe majority of the population in the UK suffer from some form of gum disease, which is a significant cause of tooth loss. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main forms of this disease. You can check for early signs of gum disease when you are brushing your teeth. If there is blood on your toothbrush or in the water when you are rinsing your mouth, this may indicate that you have a gum problem. Also, your gums may bleed when eating and your breath may become unpleasant. You should consult your dentist or hygienist to discuss ways of improving your gum health.
Plaque and hard deposits of tartar are the main causes of gum disease. The most common reason for gum disease is that people do not clean their teeth and gums as often, or as thoroughly, as they should. It is essential that you maintain a good dental care routine to remove all of the plaque from your teeth.
Gingivitis is a term used to describe the inflammation of gums. It is the first stage of gum disease, where the gums become red and swollen and may bleed when brushing your teeth.
Periodontitis is a deeper form of gum disease that affects the bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis may eventually result in teeth having to be extracted, as some of the bone is lost and teeth become loose. You can prevent periodontal disease from getting worse by maintaining a good dental care routine and making regular visits to your dentist or hygienist.
If you think you may have gum disease, you should visit your dentist for an examination, so that they can check your teeth and gums and prescribe any treatment that may be required. Usually, your dentist or hygienist will illustrate how to clean your teeth effectively in order to remove all of the plaque.
We recommend using a small-headed toothbrush with ’rounded’ bristles, so that it doesn’t cause any damage to your gums. Brushing alone will not remove all the plaque from in between your teeth, so using dental floss or interdental brushes is extremely useful for this. Your dentist or hygienist is best placed to advise you on which cleaning methods are best for you.
