If you are suffering from bleeding gums or loose teeth you are likely to be suffering from gum disease as healthy gums do not bleed. Gum disease can really affect the appearance of your teeth and smile.
At Notley Dental Care Dr Anjana Sagar is our dentist with a Special Interest in Periodontics (gum disease), we also have team of hygienists who can help you.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by plaque build up at the gum margins and can be grouped into two categories, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
One of the first signs is bleeding on brushing or bleeding when using floss or interdental brushes. Gingivitis is a very early stage of gum disease and will heal completely if the patient is shown a better brushing technique and how to clean interdentally more effectively.
Periodontitis
This is a more severe form of gum disease whereby the gum margins loosen from the tooth caused by toxins produced by bacterial plaque. The ‘pockets’ that form can bleed on brushing/flossing and the bone that supports the teeth breaks down which then leads to the teeth becoming mobile.
This type of gum disease tends to be found in patients aged over 40 years, whereas gingivitis can be present in any age group. Healthy gums however do not bleed.
What treatment is available?
Gingivitis can be reversed simply with good oral hygiene techniques. Patients will benefit from seeing one of our hygienists especially if calculus is present.
Periodontitis requires further treatment whereby the patients teeth will need a thorough professional clean which may need to be carried out using local anaesthesia. Our in house hygienists are all qualified to carry out this treatment. In the most severe cases, the patient may be referred to one of our dentists Dr Vanessa Sousa who has a special interest in gum disease and some patients may require a short course of antibiotics following the treatment.
This treatment is very successful and may prevent the loss of the affected teeth.
Can Gum Disease damage my health?
Several studies have shown that the presence of gum disease can make several common serious diseases worse and in some cases even cause them. This means good brushing and flossing could literally save your life.
Coronary heart disease (which causes heart attacks and angina) has a link with gum disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by the bacteria involved with periodontal disease may be responsible for the association. Untreated gum disease greatly increases a susceptible individual’s risk.
Regular hygiene visits to have your gums checked and teeth cleaned are really good ways to prevent gum disease.