Periodontics is an aspect of dentistry focusing on gum health. This is an important part of dentistry because most people suffer from gum disease. Gum disease is a common condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth.
It may cause redness of the gums, swelling and pain. However, you can care for your teeth to avoid gum disease and, eventually, tooth loss. A good dental hygiene routine, which includes brushing your teeth and flossing, regular hygienist appointments and dental check-ups at Thousand Smiles, can prevent gum disease.
Three main types of gum disease affect people – gingivitis, periodontitis and ANUG or acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, characterised by inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. When left untreated, gingivitis causes periodontitis, which affects the ligaments and bones supporting the teeth. ANUG is the most serious type of gum disease.
In some cases, gum disease doesn’t cause pain, so you may be unaware if you have it, but regular check-ups with our dentist will identify signs of gum disease if present.
Gingivitis occurs from the accumulation of plaque, the soft, sticky substance caused by bacteria. If you do not floss and brush regularly to remove the plaque, it may cause inflammation of the gums. You may also have bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, even without feeling pain.
Removing plaques and looking after your gums and teeth properly can stop gingivitis. When the plaques remain on the teeth, you can develop a more serious gum disease called periodontitis.
Symptoms of gingivitis include:
If you experience symptoms of gingivitis, you can handle the issue at home by flossing and brushing your teeth properly. You can also see a dental hygienist for professional dental cleaning at our dental practice. Professional teeth cleaning will remove traces of plaque, bacterial products and tartar from your teeth.
Untreated gingivitis will cause the inflammation to spread to bones and ligaments supporting the teeth, causing periodontitis. The gum may pull away from the teeth, leaving small pockets. The pockets accumulate plaque that you can’t remove even with your toothbrush.
The plaque gradually hardens to form tartar, irritating the gums and accumulating more plaque. The small pockets will get deeper and more difficult to clean, making the problem worse. Some people may also develop a gum infection where pus collects under the gum to cause an abscess.
If untreated, periodontitis will cause the gums to pull away from the teeth (recession). Recession may expose the tooth root causing increased sensitivity. If the bone loss occurs, your teeth will become loose. After several years without treatment, you may lose your teeth.
If gingivitis develops into periodontitis, you may notice the following.
We advise visiting our dental practice to see the dentist if you experience these symptoms.
This is a serious gum disease which develops suddenly. ANUG is a bacterial infection causing pain, bad breath ulcers and swelling. It requires immediate treatment by an experienced dentist.
Common symptoms of ANUG are
Ensure you visit our dental practice immediately if you have these symptoms.
Gum disease treatment depends on the severity of the gum disease. The treatment aims at controlling the existing gum disease and preventing further issues.
The treatment for mild gum disease or gingivitis is a strict daily flossing and brushing routine. The hygienist or dentist will carry out regular checks to monitor the size of the pockets in the gum and how easily your gum bleeds.
When you visit our dental practice for your check-up, and the dentist suspects periodontitis:
Gum disease occurs when plaque accumulates on the teeth and isn’t removed. Most people find it hard to clean their teeth if they have braces or wear dentures or implants.
Other factors that increase the chances of developing gum disease are pregnancy, diabetes, smoking, eating excess surgery food and taking certain medications that dry out the mouth. A weak immune system and growing older may also make you more prone to gum disease.
You can prevent gum disease by controlling tartar and plaque build-up on your teeth. You can do this through the following.
Ensure you brush at least for two minutes, two times daily and floss every day. Using mouthwash will not remove plaque, so you still need a toothbrush. You can clean in-between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush.
Our hygienist can show you how to brush your teeth properly and use dental floss during your routine cleaning appointment.
Visiting Thousand Smiles for a regular scale and polish treatment will help remove food, tartar and plaque below your gum line and on your teeth. You can remove tartar by brushing your teeth at home.
Undergoing regular dental checks allows your dental professional to monitor your oral health and address issues early.
You can speak with your pharmacist or GP about stopping if you smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of gum disease and makes treating gum disease more difficult.
If you have symptoms of gum disease, visit Thousand Smiles today to see an experienced dental professional. You can call us on 020 8050 0280 to book an appointment for professional dental care to prevent gum disease.
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