Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, affecting thousands of people in the UK every year. At Advance Dental Clinic, we’re always eager to try and prevent gum disease wherever possible. Early signs of gum disease are usually relatively easy to treat, and this is why we urge our patients to be mouth aware. If you’re keen to keep gum disease at bay, here are 3 signs to look out for:

  1. Swollen gums: swelling is a common symptom of gum disease. If you’ve noticed that your gums look or feel inflamed, call us and make an appointment. It may be possible that swelling is linked to something else, but it’s always best to double check. It’s much easier to treat mild gum disease than advanced periodontal disease.
  2. Bleeding when you brush: have you noticed spots of blood when you brush your teeth and spit into the basin? Bleeding is one of the most significant signs of gum disease. If you notice bleeding on a regular basis or your gums have started to bleed for no reason, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
  3. Painful gums: if your gums hurt, especially when you clean your teeth, it’s a good idea to pick up the phone and book an appointment. Sore gums can be caused by other problems and injuries, but if you do have gum disease, the sooner it is treated, the better.

Gum disease is a progressive condition, so if you are worried about signs and symptoms, don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment. We will do our best to see you and treat you as quickly as possible. It’s really important not to ignore symptoms, especially if they are getting worse, as this could lead to advanced gum disease.

At Advance Dental, your dental health is our priority and we’re always eager to promote the message that prevention is better than cure whenever possible. Gum disease is a common oral disease, but it is preventable. If you have early signs of gum disease or you’re hoping to steer clear of sore and swollen gums, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the ways Advance Dental Clinic stops periodontitis in its tracks.

About gum disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of adult tooth loss in the UK even though it’s almost always preventable. Gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria, which combine with saliva and food debris to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that clings to the gum line and the tooth enamel. The bacteria in plaque release acids when they feed and these acids irritate the gums, causing them to become swollen. In the early stages, mild gum disease (known as gingivitis) is relatively easy to manage. However, it can quickly become more advanced if it is left untreated. Periodontitis or periodontal disease causes permanent damage to the bone structure, which supports the teeth.

If you notice signs such as swelling in the gums, bleeding when you brush or painful gums, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Treating gum disease

If you have gingivitis, it’s often possible to treat this form of gum disease with good oral hygiene and dental cleaning treatments. Periodontitis is more difficult to treat and treatment usually involves a series of sessions, which are designed to clean the gums and try and prevent the infection from getting any more serious.

If you’re worried about gum disease or you’d like to find out more about teeth cleaning, healthy eating or dental hygiene services, why not give us a ring today?

The infection and inflammation of the bones and the ligaments that hold the teeth is called periodontitis. This condition arises when the infection or inflammation of gums is left untreated or when proper treatment is delayed. Periodontitis is the most common reason for missing teeth in adults in the UK.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of periodontitis are:

  • bad breath
  • red or reddish-purple gums
  • shiny gums
  • bleeding gums
  • tender and painful gums
  • swollen gums

Treatment

The objectives for the treatment of periodontitis is to lessen the inflammation, remove the pockets and ‘find and treat’ the root cause. Any rough surface, whether on a dental appliance or on the teeth, must be immediately fixed and other known illness in the body should also be taken care of.

Cleaning the teeth thoroughly is the first step. Many different kinds of instruments can be used to remove the accumulation of plaque around the teeth. Even after professional cleaning is undertaken, patients should regularly spend time keeping their teeth clean. You can check with the dentist or the hygienist for the proper technique of flossing and brushing.

People who are suffering from periodontitis must try to visit the dentist more than twice a year to get professional oral cleaning. In the presence of deep pockets around the teeth, surgery would be required to get them cleaned. Teeth could also need to be removed if the infection has spread, in order to protect the surrounding teeth.

Gum disease affects the vast majority of us in one-way or another. If you have ever seen blood after brushing your teeth, then it is likely that you are suffering from some form of gum disease. Thankfully, if caught early, gum disease is very easy to treat and stop before it causes any lasting damage. The first mild stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. The most common symptom of this gum disease is blood after brushing and some small discomfort about the gums. This is very easy to treat; either with a strong medical mouthwash, or even better, a professional dental clean at the clinic. During the clean we will gently clear away any plaque build-up around the gumline and between the teeth-clearing away any bacterial debris for a beautiful, bright and clean mouth. This will also keep further chances of gum infection at bay and it is recommended that you visit your dental hygienist twice a year to maintain a healthy and happy smile. However, sometimes this first stage of gingivitis can get out of hand, after which periodontal disease may soon follow. This stage of gum disease is a great deal more severe, with symptoms that include swelling of the gum tissue, bleeding, pus and loose teeth. At its most potent periodontal disease can cause tooth loss and even eat away at the jawbone. Before you reach this stage it is highly encouraged that you visit your dentist or dental hygienist for periodontal cleaning. This is a more intense dental clean, which may be carried out over several visits to ensure all the disease is treated. If you are currently worried about the health of your teeth, please call the practice today. With gum disease prevention is always better than the cure.

Gum disease is very common, but it’s also preventable and we encourage our patients to take steps to keep them free from painful, swollen gums. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film, which is made when food debris and bacteria combines with saliva. The bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed, red, sore and tender. Many people first notice the signs of gum disease when they see blood after brushing their teeth. The mild form of gum disease, gingivitis, is easily treated, but it can quickly become more advanced. Periodontal disease, the more serious form of gum disease, is much more difficult to manage and it can cause irreparable damage to the gums and the bone structure beneath, which eventually causes the teeth to come loose in their sockets. The symptoms of more advanced cases of gum disease include bleeding and swollen gums, as well as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath and the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. Most cases of gum disease are associated with poor oral hygiene, but there are additional factors, such as smoking, which can increase the risk of gum disease. If you notice the warning signs of gum disease, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible, so that they can check your gums and administer any treatment that is needed as quickly as possible. Good oral hygiene is the best way of lowering your risk of developing gum disease and diet is also very important. Try to avoid eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods, especially between meals and wait an hour before you brush your teeth after eating. This helps to prevent damage to the tooth enamel.

 

 

As part of your oral health regime, keeping gums healthy is as important as safeguarding your teeth. Gum disease can be painful and lead to tooth loss but it is often entirely reversible if dealt with early. If left to flourish though, gum disease results in more tooth loss than actual tooth decay and studies show that as many as seventy five per cent of adults in Britain currently have some form of gum disease.

The most common gum disease is known as gingivitis. If your gums are subject to reddening and tend to bleed during brushing then you may have contracted it. It can turn routine eating and drinking into difficult activities but pursuing your normal, recommended dental hygiene habits of brushing and flossing twice a day should protect you from gingivitis

Periodontitis is what may result if gingivitis is left untreated. It comprises a painful inflammation of the gums which can spread to the bones which hold our teeth securely in place. Teeth will start to loosen and eventually fall out, leaving you requiring invasive procedures to have replacement dentures fitted.

You ought to be vigilant for bad breath, bleeding when you brush your teeth and examine your mouth for patches of redness and swelling. Early stages of gum disease can include the sudden feeling that your teeth don’t ‘fit’ as well as they normally do and the appearance of a strange metallic taste.

Braintree dentists are expert at spotting these signs and maintaining a habit of visiting him or her twice a year will mean your chances of spotting any gum disease early are good and you should avoid the prospect of tooth loss. Call 01245 268 494 for a free consultation at Advance Dental Clinic in Chelmsford.