Halloween has been and gone, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve escaped all things gruesome. Sadly, gum disease is a very real threat all year round. At Advance Dental Clinic, we’re eager to keep ghastly gum disease at bay and we encourage our patients to be mouth aware and to book regular routine appointments. If you’re keen to learn more about gum disease, here are some facts to take on board.

Bleeding gums is often a sign of gum disease

If you notice blood when you brush, this is not normal and we strongly urge you not to ignore it. Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease. Other symptoms to look out for include swelling and tenderness, pain in the gums and redness.

Mild gum disease can usually be treated very simply

Mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, is very common. The good news is that it can often be treated very simply with good oral hygiene and intensive cleaning. The bad news is that mild gum disease can quickly become more advanced. Severe gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, causes irreversible damage to the gums, and the bone tissue lying beneath.

Gum disease is the most common cause of premature tooth loss in adults

Gum disease is currently the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults. When the bone tissue becomes weaker, the sockets are unable to hold the tooth securely, and they start to become loose. Eventually, the teeth will fall out.

Gum disease can be prevented

Gum disease can be very serious, but it can often be prevented. To reduce the risk of developing gum disease, we recommend twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular dental checks. We also urge our patients to stick to a healthy diet and to call us if they notice any problems, like sore gums or bleeding when they brush. The sooner we spot signs of gum disease, the better.