Gum Disease Treatment
IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR GUMS CONTACT US
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and can be prevented. Ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy is the most important aspect of dentistry which is why preventative dentistry is at the forefront of our dental care provision.
If a patient is affected by gum disease, it causes problems with the gums and bone supporting the teeth, however it is reversible when attended to early. If untreated the gums will recede and turn into a more serious condition known as periodontitis. Once the bone structures that holds the teeth in are affected, this will eventually lead to tooth loss, so it is important to seek treatment promptly.
What causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque bacteria and hard deposits of tartar. It usually happens when teeth and gums are not kept clean enough. Gum disease can also be linked to genetics, smoking, medications, stress and poor nutrition.
Without regular cleaning the gums will come away from the tooth creating pockets around the teeth where food and plaque can collect. Pockets are difficult to keep clean and gum disease will get worse if no treatment is not carried out.
The next stage of the disease will involve losing the bone that supports the teeth and the teeth will become loose until they will have to be taken out. Severe gum disease can be an inherited factor or an indicator of problems with general health.
Dental hygiene at the Hermitage Clinic also forms part of treating gum disease and bad breath. If you have a bridge, denture, orthodontic treatment or a dental implant you will have specific hygiene needs that our hygienist will be able to assist you with. It is recommended that you come in for regular hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy.
Who is susceptible to Gum Disease?
Some people are more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease than others:
- Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean so you might have gum disease in just one part of your mouth.
- Smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol can make gum disease worse. Both are also linked with mouth cancer.
- Drugs and medicines can affect your gums so your dentist will ask you about your general health.
- Diabetes and some other diseases can reduce how resistant gums and bones are to damage.
- Hormonal changes can also affect gum health. It could make a difference if you are pregnant or using an oral contraceptive.
Will gum disease go away by itself?
No. In the early stages of gum disease, you can improve the symptoms with improvements in brushing and flossing or interdental brushes. As gum disease progresses it will become more severe and the toxins in the plaque bacteria begin to break down the bone and surrounding tissues, which can eventually lead to permanent loss of teeth.
At Hermitage Clinic, our dentists have a special interest in Periodontal treatment and have many years of helping patients manage their gum disease. We will advise you on the best course of action for you and also recommend a maintenance plan with our hygienist to ensure we can keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.
