Gum disease is a common oral health problem that affects many people in the UK. It affects the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth and can cause pain, bleeding, bad breath, and even tooth loss if left untreated. But what are the signs of gum disease and how can you prevent or treat it?
In this blog post, we will explain what gum disease is, what causes it, what symptoms to look out for, and what treatment options are available. We will also share some tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene and protect your gums from infection.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support and surround your teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. Plaque can irritate your gums and cause inflammation, which can lead to gum disease.
There are two main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease, where your gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is usually reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
- Periodontitis: This is the advanced stage of gum disease, where the inflammation spreads to the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Periodontitis can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets that can get infected. Periodontitis leads to bone loss and causes your teeth to become loose or fall out. Periodontitis is irreversible but it can be controlled with regular hygiene visits and proper maintenance of your gums at home.
What causes gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is plaque, but there are other factors that can increase your risk of developing it, such as:
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can make your gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
- Smoking: Smoking harms the blood flow to gums making them more vulnerable to infection and can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your gums to heal.
- Medications: Some medications can affect your saliva flow and make your mouth dry. Saliva helps wash away plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Some medications can also cause your gums to grow over your teeth, making it harder to clean them.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can affect your blood sugar levels and your body’s ability to fight infections. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease and may need more frequent dental care.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Gum disease can be painless and silent, so you may not notice any symptoms until it is too late. Recognising the signs of gum disease early can help prevent its progression. Common signs that you may have gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth
- Bad breath that won’t go away even after brushing
- Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
If you notice any of these signs, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can examine your gums and teeth and diagnose the stage and severity of your gum disease. Your dentist can also recommend the best treatment plan for your condition.
How can you prevent gum disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Here are some tips on how to keep your gums healthy and prevent plaque buildup:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes and make sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth and gums.
- Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gum line. You can also use an interdental brush or a water flosser if you find flossing difficult or uncomfortable.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to kill germs and freshen your breath.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and a professional cleaning. Your dentist can remove plaque and calculus that you can’t reach with your toothbrush and floss. Your dentist can also detect and treat any signs of gum disease before they become worse.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products. Smoking can harm your gums and stain your teeth. Smoking can also increase your risk of oral cancer and other diseases.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode your enamel and feed the bacteria in your mouth. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system and support your oral health, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins.
- Drink plenty of water. Water can help wash away any food in and around your teeth that can feed bacteria in your mouth.
For an example of a Full Oral Health Routine, check out Dr Arnold’s video.
How can you treat gum disease?
The treatment of gum disease depends on the stage and severity of your condition. The main goal of treatment is to control the infection, reduce the inflammation, and prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. Some of the treatment options for gum disease include:
- Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal: This is a procedure that involves removing staining, endotoxins, plaque and calculus from above and below your gum line.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if indicated in severe cases.
- Surgery: If your gum disease is severe and does not respond to non-surgical treatments, you may need surgery to repair your gums and bone.
Gum disease is a serious but preventable condition. By maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding harmful habits, and seeking regular dental care, you can protect your gums and teeth from long-term damage. If you suspect you may have gum disease, don’t wait — consult your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
How can we help you?
At Lancashire Smiles, we are committed to providing you with the best dental care and helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. We have a team of experienced and friendly dentists who can diagnose and treat gum disease using the latest techniques and technology.
If you are looking for a dentist in Lancashire who can help you with gum disease or any other dental problem, please contact us today. You can call us on 01772 342929, email us at smiles@lancashiresmiles.co.uk , or fill out our online smile assessment form. We look forward to helping you on your health journey.
Thank you for reading our blog post, and we hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below, or contact us directly. We would love to hear from you. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family, and to subscribe to our newsletter for more articles.
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