Do you suffer from sore gums, or have you noticed spots of blood when you brush your teeth? If so, these could be signs of gum disease. At Advance Dental Clinic, we have expertise in preventing and treating gum disease, so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.

Preventing gum disease

Prevention is always better than cure. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in UK adults, but the good news is that it can often be prevented. Good oral hygiene, frequent dental visits, and a healthy diet can all help to lower the risk of gum disease. It’s also hugely beneficial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, so that you can act to try and prevent the condition from becoming more advanced. It’s relatively simple to manage mild gum disease, but more advanced symptoms cause irreversible damage to the bony tissue that supports the teeth. This increases the risk of premature tooth loss. Symptoms to be aware of include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Sore gums
• Increased redness

Gum disease treatment

If you already have the symptoms described above, the best thing to do is contact your dentist. When you have your appointment, your dentist will have a good look at your gums and work out the best course of action. In cases of mild gum disease, also known as gingivitis, it’s often possible to treat the condition with hygiene treatments and lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking and cutting down on sugary and acidic foods and drinks. In the case of advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease, more intensive, long-term treatment is required. This may involve frequent trips to the dental hygienist and therapies such as root planing.