How To Spot Gum Disease

Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth. Even with the most rigorous of brushing and flossing routines, lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption, and missing those all-important check-ups, can impact upon your gum health. Read on to find out about how gum disease develops and how to keep your gums in tip-top shape. 

Signs of plaque – the first stage of gum disease

A build up of plaque formation on the gum line and teeth can cause gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease. If you are diagnosed with gum disease the treatment options are predominantly minimally-invasive. Gingivitis can generally be reversed with professional cleaning and a healthy brushing and flossing routine thereafter. It’s important that you keep attending regular routine hygienist appointments, even when your gums are in good health again, as looking after your teeth and gums is all about preventative care. Whilst teeth and gums are tenacious and resilient to neglect, in some cases damage can be irreversible and result in tooth extraction. We can’t stress how important it is never to skip a routine hygienist appointment – they’re a crucial investment into the future of your oral health wellbeing.

Periodontitis – advanced stage of gum disease 

Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease than gingivitis that can still be treated however, your hygienist will have to use more invasive techniques. These include a scale and polish (a deep clean of your tooth surfaces) and removing harmful bacteria from beneath the gum line.

Periodontitis doesn’t simply affect the gums – it can cause bone and tissue loss throughout the mouth. If you are already suffering from this, your dentist here at Corner House may recommend that you see a periodontist, a specialist, who may advise advanced procedures that can regenerate the bone and the tissue you have lost.

Signs of gum disease

  • Red, swollen gums.
  • Sensitive gums that bleed easily.
  • Constant bad breath (halitosis).
  • Receding gums.
  • Pus in between your teeth.
  • Changes in your – your teeth do not line up correctly when you bite down.
  • Loose adult teeth.

In some cases, there may not be any obvious symptoms that you can spot at home in the mirror, which is why it’s paramount that you book yourself in regularly, as your hygienist will be able to spot things you might miss when brushing and flossing yourself.

Regular scale and polish treatment for healthy teeth and gums

Staining caused by smoking and drinking tea, coffee and wine can be difficult to remove through brushing and flossing alone and will inevitably cause tenacious staining. Visiting the hygienist at least twice  a year for a scale and polish will significantly reduce your chances of developing gum disease. We may recommend that you visit us more frequently if you’re a patient who has advanced symptoms relating to gum disease or require specialist treatment for a prolonged period.

 

If you would like more information about hygienist treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us.