Taking Care of Gum Disease: What We Can Do to Help
Did you know that gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults living in Great Britain? Gum disease can be very serious, but the good news is that it is preventable. Here are some tips to help you protect your gums and some more information about the services we offer to prevent and treat gum disease.
What you can do at home
Gum disease occurs when bacteria present in plaque irritates the gums. This causes them to become red, swollen, and sore. Many people first suspect that they may have gum disease when they notice traces of blood after spitting when they clean their teeth. To prevent gum disease, the best thing you can do is try and eliminate the chances of plaque forming in the first place. Brushing twice-daily and daily flossing help to remove bacteria and food debris before they can combine with saliva to form plaque. Your diet is also really important. Try and make sure that you stick to your recommended daily intake of sugar and avoid snacking throughout the day.
We also recommend attending regular check-ups. Our dentists are trained to detect the very early warning signs of gum disease, and they can address potential problems before they become more advanced. Ideally, we recommend 6-12 monthly checks. However, if you notice symptoms, call and book an appointment as soon as possible.
Treating gum disease
In the early stages, gum disease (gingivitis) is relatively easy to manage. However, if it is left to progress, it can cause irreparable damage to the gums. The bone tissue, which supports the teeth and gums also becomes damaged, and this results in the teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out. Treatment for advanced gum disease (periodontitis) involves long-term management, frequent cleaning and plaque and tartar removal treatments and sometimes even surgery.
If you’re keen to find out more about gum disease, call us today.