Gum Disease

Early diagnosis of gum disease is really important to simplify treatment

Gum disease is a common condition that affects the tissues around your teeth. It causes swelling and redness of your gums, and can mean that they bleed more easily. Over 50% of the adult population are currently experiencing some form of gum disease. Early diagnosis of gum disease is really important to simplify treatment. This can also help reduce and prevent progression, and keep your mouth fresh and healthy.

Do your gums bleed when you brush them………we’re here to help.

Gingivitis

The initial early signs of gum disease can include red and swollen gums. They can often bleed when brushed or flossed.

This condition is called gingivitis. This means inflammation of the gums.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, the deeper structures around the teeth, and the bone of the jaw that hold your teeth in place, can too become affected. This is known as periodontitis.

This is a much harder condition to manage and treat as more structures of the mouth have become affected. You might notice things like bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, loose teeth and infections such as gum abscesses.

If left untreated, periodontitis can result in tooth loss.

Acute conditions

There are other forms of gum conditions which also require management by the dental team. One of these is referred to as Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG).

This condition is quite rare, but can present rapidly. It often presents as red, swollen, very painful gums, with multiple areas of ulceration. It can produce bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth. In more severe cases it can make speaking and swallowing painful, and even result in a fever.

What causes gum disease?

Plaque is main cause of gum disease. Plaque is formed from food and drink particles, and debris from bacteria found normally within the mouth.

We can help you tailor your tooth brushing technique and find the right interdental aids for you. This will make sure you can keep on top of the plaque around your teeth.

Beth, our lovely Oral Health Educator can also arrange a one-on-one appointment with you, to help out with any areas that you struggle with.

What happens if left untreated?

If plaque is left on you teeth, and the tartar (hard plaque) is not professionally removed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.

You may develop further complications if you don’t treat this, including: recurrent gum abscesses, increasing damage to the structures that connect the tooth to the bone and loss of the bone in the jaw that contains the sockets of the teeth, receding gums, loose teeth and eventually loss of teeth.

Who’s at risk of gum disease?

Everyone is at risk of gum disease, and most adults in the UK have suffered gum disease at some point in their lifetime.

There are certain conditions that can make you more prone to gum conditions. These include a family history of gum disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system (this might be due to another condition), cancer treatments, malnutrition or nutritional defects, and stress. One common contribution to gum disease is smoking.

Gum disease and your general health

Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk of a number of other health conditions, including: heart disease, diabetes and if affected during pregnancy, premature labour and having a baby with a low birth weight.

Treatment Options

We provide a wide range of treatment options at Newby Dental Practice, and as a result we can confidently manage your dental condition. Both our Dentists and Hygienists can discuss these options with you, as they range from simple advice, through to professional cleans. We can also advise if you may benefit from surgical treatment to manage your gum condition.

We can help, why not book a consultation now.

Our hygienists can help you cure your gingivitis and bring under control any periodontal disease affecting your gums.

Click here to see how we can help.

Click here for hints and tips on better brushing!