Keeping on top of your oral hygiene is important and can help you to prevent a wide variety of issues. Many adults in the UK experience gingivitis or gum disease to some level, and in the latest blog post, we take a look at ways in which you can help to prevent gum disease.
The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it may develop into a condition called periodontitis which affects more tissues that help to support the teeth and keep them in place.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria and can collect in crevices on the teeth, in spaces around the teeth and around rough or broken fillings. If plaque is not removed, it will harden and form tartar. It is the harmful bacteria in plaque that can lead to gum disease.
It is estimated that around 3 out of 4 adults over the age of 35 have had some degree of gum disease in their lifetime. There are some groups of people that are more at risk of developing gum disease, including:
Those taking anti-epilepsy medicines, cyclosporin and calcium channel blockers.
Those with poorly controlled diabetes.
Pregnant women.
Women taking some form of birth control medication.
Symptoms
If you have gum disease, you may notice that your gums are red and swollen or bleed easily – such as when brushing your teeth.
If your gum disease is left untreated, you also begin to notice symptoms that include:
Bad breath
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Gum abscesses
Loose teeth
Prevention and Treatment
Gingivitis can be reversed by maintaining a good oral health routine. You should remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them before you go to bed and one other time during the day – for most people, this is in the morning. Flossing at least once a day can also help to prevent plaque forming between your teeth.
If your dentist determines that you have gingivitis, they may recommend a cleaning and scaling treatment.
If gingivitis has progressed into periodontitis, you will need additional treatment, but only a professionally trained dentist will be able to advise what stage of gum disease you have and the treatment necessary to prevent tooth loss.
Love-Teeth Dental Practice
Here at Love-Teeth Dental Practice, we offer a wide variety of treatments to help ensure the health of your mouth. If you have been meaning to book an appointment at the dentist for quite some time, please call us today on 0161 773 7080 and a member of our friendly team will gladly help.
