Do You Have Gum Disease?

by Willow Tree Dental and Orthodontic Centre on Gum Disease and Oral Hygiene.

Periodontal disease, often referred to as gum disease, encompasses oral health conditions that lead to inflammation of the tissues around your teeth. In its initial phase, it is called gingivitis, while in its advanced and severe form, it is termed periodontitis.

Effectively managing gum disease hinges on early detection, addressing the underlying causes, and proactively preventing tooth loss or the necessity for more extensive treatments.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease stems from oral bacteria infecting the tissues encircling your teeth, with the primary culprit being plaque bacteria. This insidious bacterium thrives on sugars and carbohydrates from your diet, generating corrosive acids that irritate your gums.

These acids release toxins that inflict inflammation and harm on the nearby gum tissue. In response, your body rushes more blood to the affected area, often resulting in bleeding gums when you brush. Effectively and consistently removing plaque from your teeth diminishes the risk of developing gingivitis.

Startlingly, research indicates that a staggering 90% of adults in the UK grapple with some form of gum disease, albeit often in mild cases. Astonishingly, gum disease remains the foremost cause of adult tooth loss, despite its preventability. The linchpin to warding off this ailment lies in maintaining a robust oral hygiene regimen, replete with regular brushing, dentist check-ups, and hygienist appointments.

Other Factors And Causes

• Smoking
• Crooked or Overlapped Teeth
• Alcohol
• Cancer or Cancer Treatment
• HIV or AIDS
• Diabetes
• Hormonal Changes
• Poor Nutrition
• Reduced Saliva Production

What Are The Signs?

Prevention is key. If you experience any of these common signs of gum disease, we would urge you to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

• Bad Breath
• Red or Swollen Gums
• Bleeding Gums After Brushing
• Pain When Chewing
• Loose Teeth
• Sensitive Teeth
• Receding Gums

Treatment

The first thing to do, if you suspect you have gum disease is, book an appointment with your dentist. They will asses the condition and it’s severity and come up with a cause of treatment, suited to you.

There are a number of treatments your dentist might suggest to help to rid you of your gum diseases. For very mild cases, simply using a specialised mouth wash and enhancing your regular oral hygiene regime may be all that is needed. However, if your condition is more serious there are a number of other options available.

• Professional Clean or Scale And Polish.
• Antibiotics or Antibiotic Gel
• Referral to a Specialist Periodontist
• Periodontal Surgery

If you are concerned about your oral health contact us today to book an appointment online with one of our expert dentists. Take advantage of our New Patient Offer, Just £95.