Gum Disease & Hygiene Visits

The Effects Of Gum Disease Left Untreated

Gum disease is a common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected If you have gum disease our gums may bleed when you brush your teeth.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and present s as woollen and bleeding gums, it is usually completed reversible and can be improved by toothbrushing, often in conjunction with a professional scale and polish to remove any plaque that has hardened into calculus.

If gingivitis is not treatment it may develop into periodontitis. This affects the supporting tissues of the teeth that hold them in place, it causes damage to the bone in your jaw and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth making it harder to effectively clean your teeth at home. Loose teeth are an end stage of periodontitis

Gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque on the teeth which contains bacteria, and irritates your gums. Gum disease can be exacerbated by smoking, and by certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Giving up smoking can greatly improve your oral health, ask about smoking cessation services in your area if you need help quitting

Treatment

The best way to treat gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene – brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a da day using an electric or manual toothbrush, and using dental floss or interdental brushes to remove any plaque between the teeth. Antiseptic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine may be useful in conjunction with mechanical plaque removal, your dentist will advise on this

At the dentist, a professional clean called a scale and polish will remove plaque and calculus from your teeth over one or two appointments. Root planning or “periodontal treatment” is a deep clean underneath the gums that gets rid of bacterial from the roots of our teeth. You will be offered local anaesthetic to numb the area if you find it uncomfortable.