What do you know about Gum disease?
when there is a build of plaque it can cause gum disease due to the bacteria. if the plaque is not removed when brushing it can cause irritation to your gum and result in a painful and sore mouth.
How to spot Gum disease and what treatment is needed
healthy gums are pink and firm, if you notice any changes such as puffy, red or bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth this is a sign of gum disease it isn’t always painful symptoms that you need to look out for, you should always be vigilant when you check your gums.
when you notice changes book an appointment with your dentist and they will access your gum health and advised the necessary treatment best for you.
Main types of gum disease
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
PERIODONTITIS
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
ACUTE NECROTISING UCLERATIVE GINGIVTIS (ANUG)
In very rare cases, you can develop acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis which can develop suddenly. If you experience any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with your dentist; bleeding and painful gums, painful ulcers, receding gums, bad breath, difficulty swallowing or talking, and a high temperature.
Prevention is better than cure
You can keep mild cases of gum disease at bay by maintaining good levels of oral hygiene, this includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and attending regular dental check-ups.
We recommend visiting a dental hygienist at least every six months to check up on your dental health. A hygienist will be able to remove any hardened plaque, which can cause gum disease; they’ll also be able to show you to some great tips on how to clean your teeth properly in order to prevent gum disease.
To book an appointment with one of our hygiene therapist call us on 0151 486 2697 or email us
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