Gum disease affects the structures supporting your teeth and it causes inflammation and swelling of the gums. In severe cases it causes damage to the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place and lead to loss of teeth.
Types of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is most commonly caused by plaque build-up on your teeth. This occurs when plaque has not been regularly cleared from your teeth. This can irritate your gums and cause them to become red, swollen and can bleed when you brush your teeth. Over time the plaque will become harder and turns into tartar which can cause further irritation and possibly infection.
Regular cleaning can clear the problem, but if untreated it can lead to more serious problems.
Periodontitis
This is the next stage on from gingivitis, the inflammation can spread to the ligaments and bones holding your teeth in place. The gums may begin to pull away from the teeth leaving exposed pockets into which more plaque forms which then cannot be reached with brushing alone. It can expose the roots of the teeth making them extremely sensitive and eventually this can lead to tooth loss.
Caught early enough it can be treated however it can often not be fully cured. You will then be in the maintenance phase.
Symptoms of gum disease
Gum disease is not always painful meaning you may not know you have it. Therefore it is important to attend regular check-ups with your dentist and maintain good oral hygiene at all times.
The first signs of gingivitis are:
- Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
- Red and swollen gums
If this has progressed on to periodontitis then you may have:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Gum recession and sensitivity
- Wobbly or loose teeth
- Gum abscesses
Treatment of gum disease
The treatment you receive will depend upon the severity of the gum disease you are experiencing. At Hydean Dental Practice we have an in-house Hygienist who will help treat any gum disease.
Plaque and tartar will be cleared from your teeth and gums often using an ultrasonic cleaning device which cleans your teeth far more effectively than any toothbrush could.
Remember prevention is the key
Here at Hydean Dental Practice we focus on promoting good oral hygiene to help prevent the onset of gum disease.