Gum Disease

All gum disease is caused by plaque. Longstanding gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease.

There are a number of different periodontal diseases and they all affect the tissues that support the teeth. When the disease progresses and is longstanding, the bone fixing the teeth to the jaw is lost and this makes the teeth loose. If left untreated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

Gum disease is a common condition affecting the tissue and bone around your teeth. It causes redness of the gums, swelling and sometimes pain, and avoiding treatment can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss.

Gum disease, however, can be prevented by maintaining a good oral health, including regular brushing and flossing, regular check-ups with your dentist, and hygienist appointments.

Gum disease isn’t always painful, so you may not realise you have it.

Gum disease is treatable if diagnosed early enough

There are a number of treatments for gum disease and depending on the extent of the problem the type of treatment can vary.  At Corner House Dental our dentists have experience and knowledge in the prevention and treatment of gum disease at all stages, from early onset to advanced disease.

In all cases of gum disease our treatment planning is focused around understanding your history and providing treatment plans involving tailored oral hygiene instruction and deep cleaning under the gums to remove plaque and any hard calculus from the pockets and root surfaces of the teeth.

What are the main types of gum disease?

The three main types of gum disease are:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is caused by a build-up of plaque. If you don’t clean the plaque off your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, it can cause your gums to become inflamed. Your gums may bleed when you brush them but aren’t usually painful.
Common symptoms of gingivitis are:

  • Bleeding after cleaning or flossing your teeth, or eating something hard like an apple
  • Occasional cases of bad breath (halitosis)
  • Red or swollen gums

If you have symptoms of gingivitis, you may be able to resolve this at home with good brushing and flossing techniques. Or you can see our hygienist for a professional dental clean. This will involve removing any traces of tartar, plaque, and bacteria.

Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t treated, the inflammation may spread to the ligaments and bones that hold your teeth in place. This type of gum disease is called periodontitis.

Untreated periodontitis can cause gums to shrink back from teeth (called recession), exposing the roots, making them sensitive. If you have any bone loss, teeth may feel loose.
Common symptoms of Periodontitis are:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Gum recession and sensitive teeth
  • A wobbly tooth
  • A bad taste in your mouth
  • Gum abscesses

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease happens when plaque builds up around teeth that aren’t cleaned properly. You may find it harder to clean your teeth if you wear braces, have implants or wear dentures.
You more likely to get gum disease if you are a smoker, have diabetes, are pregnant, take medication which makes your mouth dry, or your diet consist of too many sugary foods. Getting older or having a weak immune system can also make you more susceptible to gum disease.

Preventing gum disease

You may be able to prevent gum disease by controlling the amount of plaque and tartar
that build up on your teeth. To do this you should:

  • Brush and floss your teeth
  • Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly
  • Stop smoking

Every year more people lose teeth to gum disease than to tooth decay. If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend you book an appointment with a dentist or hygienist.

Why choose Corner House Dental for Gum disease treatments?

  • Conducting complex treatments every day
  • Full range of implant treatments and quality materials
  • 5-star post-treatment care
  • Trusted by referral dental practices across Norfolk
  • Flexible payment options, including interest free finance*

Gum disease FAQs

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is the swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.

What is gingivitis?

This is when the gums are inflamed. The gums around your teeth become very red and swollen and often bleed when you brush them.

What is periodontal disease?

Longstanding gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of different types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues, which support the teeth. When the disease progresses and is long standing, the bone fixing the teeth to the jaw is lost and this makes the teeth loose. If left untreated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

How do i know i have gum disease?

The problem with gum disease is that it develops painlessly, however when you have red, swollen and bleeding gums, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. This may also be the cause of bad breath known as halitosis.

What causes gum disease?

All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth every day. To prevent and treat gum disease, all the plaque on the teeth must be effectively removed by flossing and brushing every day and by cleaning in between the teeth with interdental brushes or dental floss.

How do you treat gum disease?

By treating gum disease one aims to slow down the progression of bone loss. The dentist has to remove and clean teeth very thoroughly in order to remove the scale,plaque and bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth. This can be done using anaesthetic or without if the plaque accumulation is not too extensive. This treatment is only successful if the patient takes responsibility for their own oral hygiene and does the appropriate and recommended home care to remove plaque thoroughly by brushing and flossing daily.

Dental check – ups

We offer a complete package of treatment solutions for you and your family.

At your first appointment we do a full assessment of your dental health. Once this has been established, we tailor a treatment plan to suit your unique dental needs. Most people are unaware of the causes of dental decay, gum disease or acid erosion of the enamel of the teeth, so our aim is to educate and prevent future problems. We will instruct you on how to look after your teeth and oral health.

Once your oral health has been secured, a maintenance program will be worked out for you that is normally a 6 monthly check up or sometimes even longer.

Get in touch

We would love to hear from you. Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions using this contact form and our friendly team will do everything they can to help you.
Alternatively you can also contact us by calling 01603 621613

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