Gum Disease
B Dental in Doncaster East
Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis) Treatment in Doncaster East
Gingivitis & Periodontitis
Gum disease is a disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is reversible. If it is not treated, however, it can progress to periodontitis which is where the gums are permanently destroyed.
Signs of gum disease include redness, swelling, soreness, bleeding gums, shrinking gums, loose teeth, drifting teeth, gaps between teeth, bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
What causes gingivitis and periodontitis?
Bacteria constantly form on the surface of teeth. It forms into a film known as plaque. If it is not removed it can harden and it is then known as tartar or calculus. Bacteria is the cause of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Risk factors that exacerbate gum disease include smoking, diabetes, crooked teeth, faulty fillings and crowns.
Can you prevent gum disease? How do you manage it?
Gum disease can be prevented by thoroughly removing all the bacteria off the teeth. This requires constant diligence and determination. Use of a good quality toothbrush, dental floss and other interdental cleaning devices, and sometimes mouthwashes. This is more difficult where there is pre-existing periodontal disease.
Your dentist can help you by removing bacteria that has been left behind. Patients with more severe pre-existing periodontal disease may be referred to see a Periodontist (Specialist in the treatment of severe gum disease). Good management requires a long term collaboration between patient and dentist.
What happens if you don’t treat it?
Untreated gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults worldwide.
There is some evidence of an association between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, premature birth and low birth weight babies, and possibly other inflammatory diseases of the body.
Therefore early prevention and management of gum disease will protect not only your teeth, but the rest of your body as well. Call today to make an appointment to see if you have gum disease.
