Gum Disease
Good oral health is essential to your overall wellbeing.
Gum Disease
Research suggests that as many as 83% of adults in the UK have some form of gum disease and for almost half the adult population that involves permanent loss of the bone supporting that supports the teeth. The good news is that we can treat all aspects of gum disease and implement a bespoke care plan that will give you a problem-free and healthy mouth for the rest of your life.
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in the over 45s. It has also shown to exacerbate Type 2 Diabetes, has been linked to atherosclerosis (the thickening of your blood vessel walls), which is the cause of stroke and heart disease and has also been associated with Alzheimer’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis and low birth weight babies.
In the light of its prevalence and harmful effects, treating gum disease is at the very core of our dental philosophy.
Gum treatment at Life Dental & Wellbeing
Treatment involves us showing you how to achieve consistently excellent levels of oral hygiene using a range of different brushes and techniques. Coupled with this we will clean your teeth above and below the gum margin to ensure that we remove all remnants of the infected deposits that stick to your teeth. In general, we are able to clean your teeth without the use of local anaesthetic but for those patients who find it a little sensitive, we can numb the mouth up to make it more comfortable. Some patients may need additional antibiotic therapy and for others, we may recommend gum surgery and bone regeneration.
Once we have stabilised your gum condition we will keep your mouth in optimal health by arranging regular maintenance appointments. The most cost effective way is by taking out one our Life Care Plans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gum Disease
What is gum disease? Gum disease is also known as gingivitis and when it becomes more serious chronic periodontitis. Your gums become sore, swollen and inflamed in response to harmful bacterial plaque below the gum margin. If left untreated gingivitis can develop into chronic periodontitis, which causes the bone surrounding the tooth to disappear. In severe cases, the teeth can become loose and can even fall out.
What causes gum disease? Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque in your mouth. Plaque contains harmful bacteria, which, if not removed by a good oral care routine, can cause gums to become irritated and inflamed.
What are the signs of gum disease? You may not be aware that you have gum disease as in many cases it is not always painful and some symptoms are not obvious. However, if you notice any of the following - red and swollen gums, bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, receding gums, a strange taste in your mouth, bad breath or loose teeth - then you need to come and see us as soon as possible.
Is gum disease linked to other health issues? Most people are unaware of this, but scientists are continually finding proven links between gum disease and other serious health problems such as Diabetes, Heart disease, Stroke, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alzheimer’s.
If left untreated your gums can become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation can affect the bloodstream, damaging blood vessels in the heart and brain, potentially leading to serious health issues.
Can gum disease be cured? Yes. We can treat gum disease by helping you establish a good oral health routine and advising you on how to brush your teeth correctly. We also thoroughly clean the surfaces of your teeth below the gum margin where the major plaque build-up occurs which causes gum disease.
I already clean my teeth so why do my gums bleed? Although it is something we do every day, most people have never been shown how to clean their teeth properly. Plaque can be left behind, especially below the gums around the gum margin, inflaming them and causing them to bleed. To avoid this, we can develop an individual treatment plan for you and show you how to develop an effective brushing routine.
Will treatment get rid of bad breath? Almost definitely. Most halitosis (bad breath) comes from compounds produced by oral bacteria, so if you establish a good oral health routine and practice effective brushing, then this should get rid of any bad breath causing bacteria, giving you a fresher feeling mouth and better smelling breath.
How much will treatment cost? Costs will depend on the level of the treatment you need based on the severity of your gum problems. We will give you a full assessment, recommend a treatment plan for you and make sure you are fully aware of any associated costs. To see a list of our prices, please see the Fees section.
Does the treatment hurt? This depends on you to a large extent. When gums are inflamed they can be quite tender, however as we start to gain control of the condition this soreness usually fades. Some patients also find that their teeth can be quite sensitive as a result of treatment, but this usually subsides over a period of time.
We do our utmost to make your treatment as comfortable as possible by using warm water and low volume aspiration when cleaning your teeth. However, if you are still finding it too uncomfortable please let us know and we can use a dental anaesthetic to completely deaden your mouth during treatment.
Why has no one ever told me I have gum disease before? We don’t know. All dentists should be aware of the signs of gum disease and they should examine your gums at every check-up, arranging for proper treatment should gum disease be present. Unfortunately, in some cases this doesn’t always happen.
At Life Dental & Wellbeing we specifically look for gum disease in your mouth at every appointment and quickly and correctly treat any problems we find.
So is decay a thing of the past? Unfortunately not. However, if you follow our advice on establishing a good oral care routine, learn how to clean your teeth effectively, use high a fluoride toothpaste and improve your nutrition and general lifestyle, you may never need another filling.
