Gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the UK and is also one of the most common causes of tooth loss. If left untreated for too long, it can lead to a whole range of oral health issues and the need for intervention and restorative treatments, which can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s why prevention of gum disease is so important. It’s also been linked to wider health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. In this blog post, we talk about how you can prevent gum disease and how North Down Dental can treat it.
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and other support structures that surround the teeth, such as bone and ligaments. In most cases, gum disease starts as a result of plaque build-up in the mouth, which is normally accumulated due to poor dental hygiene. At this stage, gum disease is known as gingivitis, but if the infection is left untreated and allowed to progress, it becomes periodontitis, which is much more serious and harder to treat.
One of the most common early symptoms of gum disease is bleeding gums. You may also have gum disease if your gums are swollen, inflamed or appear red in colour. Persistently bad breath despite brushing your teeth can also be an indicator that you have gum disease, as can gum recession.
Our approach to treating your gum disease will depend on how far advanced it is. We’ll first do an examination, including X-rays and check your teeth and jawbone so we can get a full picture of your oral health. From these, we’ll be able to develop a treatment plan.
If the gum disease is still in its early stages, we’ll be able to recommend an appointment with the dental hygienist, as well as give advice on how best to take care of your teeth and mouth at home. If the disease is more advanced, we’ll discuss which options are available to you. These could include a deep clean, antibiotics, having a tooth extraction, and tooth replacement options such as implants, dentures, or bridges.
Gum disease may be common, but it’s also very easily prevented with a good oral health routine at home, making some minor diet and lifestyle changes, and making sure you visit the dentist for regular check-ups. Here are some of our everyday tips to help prevent gum disease:
If you’re uncertain about how best to prevent gum disease, or are concerned you may have gum disease, then get in touch with us at North Down Dental in Bangor to book an appointment. We’ll be able to do a full oral health examination and assessment, checking for signs of any disease or decay. Regardless of what we find, we’ll make recommendations for your dental hygiene routine based on your individual needs.
