Periodontal (Gum) disease
What is periodontal gum disease?
A bacterial-induced disease of the structures around your teeth. Bacteria stick to your teeth in clumps called plaque and if not removed regularly, will irritate the gums. This can destroy the attachment of the gum to the tooth and form a ‘pocket’.
Bacteria live in these pockets below the gum line and in certain individuals, the disease will destroy the bone holding the teeth in, which will cause them to loosen and eventually fall out.
What are the symptoms?
- Red swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums when brushing or chewing
It can go unnoticed for many years, and in severe cases you may notice:
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Spacing between front teeth
Who gets periodontal disease?
Anyone can get a mild form of the disease called gingivitis. Some people have high natural resistance to periodontal disease and others, who may have a family trait, are susceptible to the disease. Other risk factors include;
- Smoking
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Stress
- Poor diet and poor oral hygiene
Can it be treated?
It cannot be cured, but can be kept at bay to prevent tooth loss. Treatment is aimed at lowering plaque levels around the tooth. It is important to clean your teeth meticulously and it will only work if done so every day. You will need to clean your teeth better and, in more ways, than everyone else.
What treatments are available?
Treatment falls into two categories: non-surgical and surgical therapy. Non-surgical therapy involves removing the calculus deposits under the gums to render them smooth for your cleaning. More advanced cases may require surgical therapy to remove deep pockets.
Benefits of treatment?
- Healthier gums
- Reduction of bleeding, redness or swelling around gums
- Reduce soreness of gums
- May firm up loose teeth
- Fresher breath
Risks of treatment?
- Sore gums after scaling; this will feel better after a few days
- Teeth more sensitive to hold cold or sweet
- Shrinking gums with gaps between teeth
How can we help you?
We can help by monitoring and showing you where the problems are in your mouth. We can demonstrate how to clean your teeth correctly and monitor your plaque levels.
Once your oral hygiene is sufficient, we can carry out removal of hardened deposits called calculus (tartar or scale) which have formed under the above gums. These deposits may be preventing you from cleaning as efficiently.
At our dental practices, we regularly treat patients from Daventry, Wellingborough, Rugby, Southam, Bedford, Cambridge, Leamington.
For more information please contact Weedon on 01327 342412 or Rushden on 01933 312992 or Northampton on 01604763627 and we will be happy to help you