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Gum Disease

gum-disease

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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that damages the tissue supporting your teeth. In 2021, it was estimated that 1 in 5 adults in England were told that they had gum disease. So, what does gum disease look like? Usually, gums appear red, swollen and sore, and tend to bleed easily. The condition isn’t just caused by poor oral health - there are many different factors that can lead to the condition developing and, as a result, painful side effects.

The stages of gum disease

As gum disease develops, a variety of complications begin to arise. The earlier you begin to treat the condition the better – this helps to prevent tooth loss and severe infections.

  1. Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis can be treated pretty easily. At this stage, you have plaque build-up on the teeth. Gums are also inflamed and turn from pink to red.

  1. Mild Periodontitis

Now, the infection has gone beneath the gums and started to affect the bone. Mild periodontitis can lead to bone loss and gum recession.

  1. Moderate Periodontitis

Your symptoms have worsened. At this stage, discomfort and pain is expected, as well as more bone loss. Teeth may begin to loosen, and breath tends to smell worse.

  1. Advanced Periodontitis

Surgery is now most likely needed. With advanced periodontitis comes severe pain and serious infection, alongside bone and tooth loss.

Symptoms of gum disease explained

Wondering if you have gum disease? There are a few symptoms to look out for. If your gums are bleeding when you brush, floss or eat hard foods, this may be an indication of periodontal disease. Gums that are sore, red and swollen are common signs, as well as gum recession and loose teeth. Bad breath can even be a symptom. Please consult with your dentist if you are experiencing symptoms and pain.

What factors contribute to gum disease?

Here are just some factors that have the ability to cause gum disease:

  • Poor oral hygiene: If teeth are not cleaned properly, it may lead to a build-up of hard plaque.
  • Genetics: Have family members with gum disease? There is a chance you can get it as a result.
  • Smoking: Smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, hindering the gums’ ability to heal when damaged or infected.
  • Age: Gums naturally recede as we age. This exposes more of the tooth to bacteria build-up.
  • Poor Nutrition: A lack of nutrients in your diet makes your gums more prone to infection. Alongside this, sugary foods and drinks also cause harm to your enamel.

Is gum disease curable?

Once you have gum disease, and it begins to develop, it becomes very hard to get rid of, especially if you have bone loss. There are many treatment options that help to manage the condition. A deep clean (also known as scaling and root planning) removes plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gum line. Antibiotics may also be suggested in some cases, a GBT appointment or laser therapy to remove diseased tissue and kill bacteria. In more severe cases, dental procedures can include tooth removal and bone and gum grafts. Remember – early detection is key. Do not feel embarrassed to go to your dentist; they will go through all of your treatment options with you.

How gum disease affects other treatments

The following dental treatments require any pre-existing gum disease issues to be solved before they can be successful:

Any hidden signs of gum disease will be discovered when you go to the dentist for your initial consultation. This can delay your treatment.

How to prevent gum disease

How to prevent gum disease is a common question. One of the best ways you are able to do this is by having a good oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day, floss and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Attend regular check-ups with your dentist and hygienist appointments too. Other ways to prevent gum disease is to quit smoking and maintain a good, nutritious diet. Another common question is, can you have dental implants with gum disease? The answer is - not likely. Gum disease increases the risk of infection and dental implant failure. Therefore, if you want to have dental implants in the future, the prevention of gum disease is really important. Conclusion: Gum disease is a preventable condition. If the condition begins to develop, patients may choose from a variety of treatment options to prevent it from further progression. Do you think you have symptoms of gum disease? Book a consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite – as mentioned earlier, early detection is vital for a successful treatment. References:

  • gov.uk/government/statistics/adult-oral-health-survey-2021/adult-oral-health-survey-2021-conclusions