Warning! Are your gums trying to tell you something? Five signs of gum disease you shouldn’t ignore
According to ShARP, Simplyhealth Advisory Research Panel, approximately 15 to 20% of the world’s population has gum disease but, in the UK, these figures skyrocket to at least 50% of the adult population with 83% of adults having visible plaque on at least one tooth. In fact, it is believed that nearly everyone in the UK will experience gum disease at some stage in their life.
So, what are the five main warning signs that you have gum disease and what can you do about it?
Gum disease – the warning signs
1. Red, swollen gums
2. Blood on your toothbrush/bleeding gums
3. Bad breath or a consistently bad taste in your mouth
4. Receeding gums/longer looking teeth
5. Sensitivity or pain
What is gum disease?
Gum disease begins with the build-up of bacteria found in plaque. Plaque is typically caused by the deposits of sugary, starchy food left on the teeth after eating. As the bacteria in the plaque grows and thrives, it begins to irritate the gums.
Initially, this can cause Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease. The signs may not be obvious at first but red, swollen or bleeding gums are usually the first obvious indication of a problem.
Untreated, the bacteria will continue to build up over time, eventually pulling the gums away from the teeth and entering small pockets beneath the gum line, which can lead to bone loss and damage to the supporting structures of your teeth. If you wear partial dentures, you may also notice that the fit changes and your dentures become less comfortable.
At its worst, periodontitis (severe gum disease) can lead to bone loss, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
What can you do to prevent or treat gum disease?
Here at York Place Dental, we see lots of patients for whom gum disease has been a problem of varying degrees for some time. With our hands-on approach and the cooperation of our patients, gum disease can be controlled and beaten.
Book an appointment at York Place Dental
If you notice any of the five warning signs of gum disease outlined above, book an appointment with York Place Dental as soon as possible. In addition to our skilled dentists, we have a highly experienced dental hygienist and will work together to devise the right treatment plan to tackle your gum disease.
Using a special probe, we will be able to measure the depth of your gum disease. Dental x-rays will also show us if there is any bone loss that we need to be aware of. Once we have a clearer picture, we will decide the best course of action.
The treatment of gum disease at York Place Dental typically consists of:
• Quarterly to twice-yearly deep clean, scale and polish with the dental hygienist• Advice about how to floss and clean in between your teeth and in pockets beneath the gums where food may be trapped
• We may also discuss how lifestyle and diet changes would improve your overall oral health (e.g. smoking cessation)
• In severe cases of periodontitis, it may be necessary to consider the surgical restoration of your mouth’s supporting tissues
If you’re at all worried or experience any of the gum disease warning signs, don’t suffer in silence. At York Place Dental, we know how to make a huge difference to your gum disease in a short amount of time.
Take action today and give us a call on 01228 580490.