Gum Disease
Gum Disease Treatment in Doncaster East
Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis)
Gum disease is a disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is reversible. If it is not treated, however, it can progress to periodontitis, where the supporting tissues are permanently destroyed. Signs of gum disease include redness, swelling, soreness, bleeding gums, shrinking gums, loose or drifting teeth, new gaps between teeth, and bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Bacteria constantly form on the surface of the teeth as a film known as plaque. If it is not removed it can harden into tartar (calculus). Bacteria are the cause of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Risk factors that exacerbate gum disease include smoking, diabetes, crooked teeth, and faulty fillings and crowns.
Gum disease can be prevented by thoroughly removing all the bacteria from the teeth every day. This requires constant diligence — a good quality toothbrush, dental floss and other interdental cleaning devices, and sometimes mouthwash. It is more difficult where periodontal disease already exists.
Your dentist can help by removing bacteria that has been left behind. Patients with more severe pre-existing periodontal disease may be referred to a periodontist (a specialist in the treatment of severe gum disease). Good management is a long-term collaboration between patient and dentist.
Untreated gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults worldwide.
There is also evidence of an association between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, premature birth and low-birth-weight babies, and possibly other inflammatory diseases of the body. Early prevention and management of gum disease protects not only your teeth but the rest of your body as well.
