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Gum Disease Treatments with Love-Teeth
If you have gum disease, you may need to have a periodontal assessment carried out. If you are concerned about a loose tooth or would like to find out more options to replace missing teeth, please contact us today.
Call our caring team on 0161 773 7080 today.
Treating Gum Disease
During this assessment, measurements will be taken of the attachment of the gum around the tooth. Following on from this, extensive deep cleaning under the gums will be carried out, which may be followed by antibiotic therapy.
To check any improvements that have been made after this treatment, a pocket charting gum assessment will be carried out where measurements around the tooth will be taken to see if the gum pockets have shrunk.
In cases of gum disease, you may be required to see a hygienist every three months.
Plaque
How We Assess Gum Disease
How We Treat Severe Gum Disease
In more severe cases of gum disease where teeth have been lost, there are several options for replacing missing teeth. Where bone has been lost it is not always possible to place implants safely and securely.
Here at Love-Teeth, we are lucky to have dentists who offers implants and many other clever techniques not often seen in the UK as alternatives to implants, for those who want to feel secure with the function and aesthetics of their teeth.
Dental Maintenance Plans
We offer a comprehensive membership plan which provides many benefits as well as 20% off treatment* and starts from as little as £9.99/month adults/£5.99/month children – please ask at reception or call us at 0161 773 7080
Gum Disease Treatment Prestwich, Manchester - FAQs
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which can lead to inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, possibly leading to tooth loss.
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Causes
Early Stages of Gum Disease
The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis, characterised by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is often reversible with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontitis
Without intervention, gingivitis may advance to periodontitis. This stage involves the pulling away of the gums from the teeth, forming spaces known as pockets that become infected. The body’s immune response to the infection, combined with the bacterial toxins, starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Treatment for gum disease varies depending on the severity of the condition. The primary goal is to control the infection. Treatment options include professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing (a deep-cleaning method), and, in severe cases, surgical treatments.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial in preventing gum disease. During these visits, plaque and tartar can be removed from above and below the gum line.
Scaling and Root Planing
This procedure involves deep cleaning between the gums and teeth down to the roots. Local anaesthesia may be used to ensure comfort during the cleaning.
Benefits of Treatment
Effective treatment of gum disease can halt its progression, preserve the health of your gums, prevent tooth loss, and improve your overall oral health.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital for preventing gum disease. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Treatment not only focuses on controlling the infection but also on educating patients on how to take care of their teeth and gums at home to prevent future problems.
What are the common causes of gum disease?
Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth. If plaque is not removed effectively through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar (calculus), which is much more difficult to remove and can cause inflammation of the gum tissue, leading to gum disease. However, several other factors can contribute to the development and progression of gum disease.
Main Causes of Gum Disease
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
The most direct cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, exacerbating gum inflammation and making it harder to remove future plaque.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Insufficient brushing and flossing make it easier for plaque to accumulate and harden, leading to gum disease.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking is strongly associated with the onset and progression of gum disease. Tobacco use can affect the normal function of gum tissue cells, making your mouth more vulnerable to infection and slowing the healing process.
Other Contributing Factors
Genetic Susceptibility
Genetics can play a role in an individual’s susceptibility to gum disease. People with a family history of gum disease may be more likely to experience it themselves, even with diligent oral care.
Underlying Health Conditions
Certain conditions such as diabetes, hormonal changes in women (e.g., pregnancy), and diseases that affect the immune system can increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Medications
Some medications can affect oral health by reducing saliva flow, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is more susceptible to infections such as gum disease.
Stress and Poor Diet
Stress can impair the body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off infections like gum disease. A poor diet, lacking in essential nutrients, can also compromise the body’s defence mechanisms.
Understanding the common causes of gum disease is crucial for prevention and early treatment. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing gum disease, ensuring the health and longevity of your teeth and gums.
How can I tell if I might have gum disease?
Identifying gum disease in its early stages is crucial for preventing its progression and safeguarding your oral health. While only a dental professional can provide a definitive diagnosis, there are several signs and symptoms you can watch for that may indicate the presence of gum disease.
Early Signs of Gum Disease
Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
One of the first signs of gum disease is gum inflammation. Your gums may appear red, feel swollen, and be tender to the touch.
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing are a common symptom of gum disease. Healthy gums should not bleed from routine cleaning.
Indicators of Advancing Gum Disease
Persistent Bad Breath or Bad Taste
Chronic bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth can be a sign of accumulating bacteria under the gumline, a symptom of gum disease.
Gum Recession
If your teeth appear longer than they used to or if you notice that your gums are receding, it’s a sign that gum disease may be progressing.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
As gum disease advances, the support structures of the teeth are damaged, which can lead to teeth feeling loose or shifting in your mouth. This can also affect your bite.
Pus between Your Teeth and Gums
The presence of pus between your teeth and gums is a clear sign of infection, which is often related to severe gum disease.
What to Do If You Notice Symptoms
If you observe any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to visit a dental professional as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of gum disease can prevent it from progressing to a more serious condition and can save your teeth and gums from significant damage. Remember, some people may have gum disease without experiencing any symptoms, so regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health.
Being vigilant about your oral health and seeking professional advice at the first sign of gum disease can lead to more effective treatment and better overall outcomes. Regular dental visits, coupled with good oral hygiene practices, are your best defence against gum disease.
How do dentists diagnose gum disease?
Dentists diagnose gum disease through a combination of dental examinations, patient history, and specific diagnostic tests. The process is thorough and aims to identify the presence and extent of the disease to determine the most effective treatment plan.
Dental Examination
Visual Inspection
The initial step in diagnosing gum disease involves a visual inspection of your mouth. The dentist looks for signs of inflammation, gum bleeding, plaque and tartar buildup, and any changes in teeth alignment or gum line.
Measurement of Pocket Depth
A critical diagnostic tool is the use of a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets between the gums and teeth. Healthy gums typically have pocket depths of 1 to 3 millimetres. Depths greater than 4 millimetres may indicate gum disease.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays help dentists see the health of the bone below the gum line, revealing any bone loss around the teeth. This is crucial for assessing the severity of gum disease and planning treatment.
Patient History
Understanding the patient’s medical and dental history is an important part of diagnosing gum disease. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, and medication use can affect gum health and the progression of gum disease.
Risk Factor Assessment
Evaluating lifestyle and systemic health issues that may contribute to gum disease risk is an integral part of the diagnostic process. This assessment helps in tailoring the treatment plan to individual needs.
Once gum disease is diagnosed, the dentist can discuss treatment options with the patient, focusing on controlling the infection and restoring gum health. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the progression of gum disease and avoiding more serious health issues.
What are the various treatment options for gum disease?
The treatment of gum disease largely depends on the stage of the disease, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health. Treatments range from nonsurgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgical procedures that restore supportive tissues. A key to successful treatment is to eliminate the factors in your lifestyle that can make the gum disease worse.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Gum Disease
Professional Dental Cleaning
During a dental check-up, your dental professional will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all your teeth. If you have some signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend professional dental cleaning more than twice a year.
Scaling and Root Planing
This is a deep-cleaning, nonsurgical procedure, done under a local anaesthetic, whereby plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. Scaling and root planing is done if your dentist determines that you have plaque and calculus (hardened tartar or calculus) under the gums that need to be removed.
Surgical Treatments for Advanced Gum Disease
Flap Surgery/Pocket Reduction Surgery
In this procedure, the gums are lifted back, and the tartar is removed. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This method reduces the size of the space between the gum and tooth, thereby decreasing the areas where harmful bacteria can grow and decreasing the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
Bone and Tissue Grafts
In addition to flap surgery, your dentist may suggest procedures to help regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. Bone grafting, where natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss, can help promote bone growth. A technique called guided tissue regeneration can also be used, where a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue. This prevents the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow to better support the teeth.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Early detection and treatment of gum disease can prevent the progression to a more serious condition and ultimately save your teeth. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene, and lifestyle changes are crucial in maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease.
Understanding the available treatments for gum disease empowers patients to make informed decisions about their oral health. Working closely with a dental professional to monitor the health of your gums and teeth can lead to a healthier mouth and a brighter smile.
What are the signs and symptoms of advancing gum disease?
Advancing gum disease, or periodontitis, can present several signs and symptoms indicating the progression from the initial stage of gingivitis to more severe stages of the condition. Recognising these symptoms early can be crucial for effective treatment and the prevention of further oral health complications.
Key Signs and Symptoms of Advancing Gum Disease
Swollen or Tender Gums
Gums may become swollen, tender, and sometimes, may bleed during brushing or flossing. This inflammation is a direct result of the body’s response to harmful bacteria in plaque.
Gum Recession
One of the more noticeable signs of advancing gum disease is gum recession, where the gums pull away or recede from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer than normal. Gum recession can lead to pockets or gaps forming between the teeth and gums, harbouring infectious bacteria.
Persistent Bad Breath or Bad Taste in the Mouth
Chronic bad breath (halitosis) or a persistent bad taste in the mouth can be indicators of advancing gum disease, caused by the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
As gum disease progresses, the bones and fibers that hold teeth in place can be damaged, leading to loose teeth or a change in the way teeth fit together when biting.
Additional Warning Signs
Pus between Your Teeth and Gums
The presence of pus between your teeth and gums is a clear sign of infection and an indication that gum disease may have advanced to a more severe stage.
Changes in the Fit of Partial Dentures
Changes in the fit of partial dentures can occur as a result of the changing structure of the jawbone and gum tissue, a consequence of advanced gum disease.
Importance of Professional Evaluation
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to seek professional evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can prevent the progression of gum disease and help maintain your oral health and overall well-being.
Advancing gum disease can have serious implications for your oral and overall health. Being aware of the signs and symptoms and seeking timely dental care can significantly improve treatment outcomes and help maintain healthy gums and teeth.
How can I prevent gum disease from progressing?
Preventing gum disease from progressing requires a combination of professional dental care and good oral hygiene practices at home. Even after gum disease has begun to develop, it’s possible to halt its progression and even reverse some of its effects with diligent care. Here are several strategies to prevent the progression of gum disease.
Essential Strategies for Preventing Gum Disease Progression
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are fundamental steps in removing plaque, the primary cause of gum disease. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective in removing plaque.
Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings at least twice a year is crucial. These visits allow for the removal of tartar (hardened plaque) that can’t be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone. Your dentist can also spot early signs of gum disease and provide treatment to prevent further progression.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for the development and progression of gum disease. Quitting smoking can greatly improve your oral health and your overall health.
Additional Preventative Measures
Adopt a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections, including gum disease. Reduce your intake of sugary snacks and drinks, as they can increase plaque formation.
Manage Stress
Stress can weaken your body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off infections like gum disease. Finding ways to manage stress effectively can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of disease.
Use Therapeutic Mouthwash
Using a therapeutic mouthwash can help reduce plaque and remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed. Look for products that carry a seal of approval from dental health organisations.
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key to preventing the progression of gum disease. If you notice any signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, contact your dentist immediately. Early treatment and adopting preventative measures can help save your teeth and gums.
Preventing the progression of gum disease is largely within your control through consistent and effective oral hygiene practices, lifestyle changes, and regular dental care. By taking these steps, you can maintain healthy gums and teeth, and contribute to your overall health and well-being.
What's the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis and periodontitis are both stages of gum disease, but they differ significantly in their severity, symptoms, and effects on oral health. Understanding the difference between these two stages is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.
Gingivitis: The Early Stage of Gum Disease
Characteristics of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterised by inflammation of the gums without affecting the bone structure. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque, and with proper oral hygiene, it is reversible without causing permanent damage to the gums or teeth.
Treatment and Prevention of Gingivitis
Effective treatment of gingivitis involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the progression to periodontitis.
Periodontitis: The Advanced Stage of Gum Disease
Progression to Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
Effects of Periodontitis
Periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the supporting tissue and bone around the teeth, resulting in loose teeth that may eventually need to be removed. Symptoms of periodontitis include receding gums, formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums, and loss of bone and tissue that support the teeth.
Key Differences and Their Importance
Severity and Reversibility
The key difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is the severity and the potential for irreversible damage. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with proper oral hygiene. In contrast, periodontitis is more severe and can lead to permanent damage to the teeth and jawbone.
Preventing the Progression from Gingivitis to Periodontitis
Preventing the progression of gum disease from gingivitis to periodontitis involves regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and adopting a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Early intervention and treatment are crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing the severe consequences of periodontitis.
Understanding the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis is essential for the early detection and treatment of gum disease. Recognising the symptoms and seeking timely dental care can prevent the progression of the disease and preserve your oral health.
What happens if gum disease goes untreated?
Leaving gum disease untreated can lead to serious oral health issues and potentially have repercussions on overall health. The progression of gum disease from gingivitis to periodontitis can result in irreversible damage to the gums, teeth, and bone structure of the mouth. Understanding the consequences of untreated gum disease underscores the importance of early detection, treatment, and ongoing preventive care.
Consequences of Untreated Gum Disease
Progression to Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, resulting in the formation of pockets between teeth and gums, loss of connective tissue and bone, and eventually, tooth loss. This advanced stage of gum disease is not reversible, and its treatment often requires more complex and invasive procedures.
Loss of Teeth
As periodontitis progresses, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. This can lead to loose teeth and eventually necessitate their removal. Tooth loss can affect your ability to eat and speak properly and may lead to further health issues.
Impact on Overall Health
Research has linked untreated gum disease with several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and stroke. The inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to these conditions.
Additional Complications
Increased Risk of Infection
The open pockets and exposed areas in the mouth can serve as gateways for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to infections in other parts of the body.
Impact on Aesthetics and Self-Esteem
Gum recession, tooth loss, and other effects of untreated gum disease can significantly impact one’s appearance and self-esteem. This can lead to reluctance to smile or engage in social interactions.
Preventing Severe Outcomes
Preventing these severe outcomes starts with maintaining good oral hygiene, scheduling regular dental check-ups, and seeking prompt treatment at the first signs of gum disease. Early intervention can halt the progression of the disease, preserve your oral health, and mitigate potential impacts on your overall well-being.
The progression of untreated gum disease can have far-reaching effects on your oral and overall health. Taking proactive steps to prevent and treat gum disease is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and a healthy body.
Do I need to see a periodontist if I have gum disease?
Whether you need to see a periodontist for gum disease treatment depends on the severity and progression of the condition. Periodontists are dentists who have received additional training in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum disease, as well as in the placement of dental implants. Understanding when to consult a periodontist can help ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your gum health.
When to See a Periodontist
Advanced Gum Disease
If your gum disease has progressed beyond the early stages of gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis, a referral to a periodontist may be advisable. Periodontists have the expertise to offer more specialised treatments, including surgical options, to manage severe cases of gum disease.
Complex Cases
Certain conditions, such as gum disease that does not respond to traditional treatment, the presence of systemic diseases affecting gum health, or complex cases requiring surgical intervention, may necessitate the skills of a periodontist.
Benefits of Seeing a Periodontist
Specialised Knowledge and Techniques
Periodontists have specialised knowledge in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating gum disease. They are skilled in a range of treatments, from nonsurgical therapies to advanced surgical procedures to restore gum health.
Experience with Complicated Procedures
For patients requiring surgical intervention for gum disease or dental implants, periodontists offer extensive experience with these procedures, often resulting in better outcomes.
Collaborative Care
Periodontists work closely with your dentist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of your oral health are addressed.
Consulting with a periodontist may be a critical step in effectively managing advanced or complicated cases of gum disease. By working together with your dentist, a periodontist can provide specialised care that helps preserve your oral health and prevent further progression of gum disease.
Are periodontal treatments the same as regular treatments for gum disease?
Periodontal treatments and regular treatments for gum disease differ in terms of their focus, complexity, and the specific conditions they address. Regular treatments typically target the early stages of gum disease, aiming to halt its progression and maintain oral health. In contrast, periodontal treatments are designed to address more advanced stages of gum disease, often involving specialised procedures performed by periodontists. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective management and treatment of gum disease.
Regular Treatments for Gum Disease
Non-Surgical Interventions
Regular treatments for gum disease, such as professional dental cleanings and scaling and root planing, focus on removing plaque and tartar to prevent the progression of gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis. These treatments are often sufficient for patients with mild to moderate gum disease.
Emphasis on Prevention and Maintenance
The goal of regular treatments is to prevent the onset of gum disease or to manage it in its early stages through good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups.
Periodontal Treatments for Advanced Gum Disease
Specialised Surgical Procedures
Periodontal treatments may include surgical procedures such as flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery), bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration, aimed at restoring the health of the gum tissue and supporting bone structure. These treatments are typically reserved for cases of advanced periodontitis.
Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment Planning
Periodontists use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess the severity of gum disease and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include the use of dental imaging technologies and the development of customised surgical approaches to address the specific needs of the patient.
Comprehensive Approach to Treatment
Periodontal treatments take a more comprehensive approach to address the underlying causes of advanced gum disease, focusing not only on the symptoms but also on restoring and regenerating damaged tissue and bone. This often involves a combination of surgical and nonsurgical therapies, along with ongoing maintenance to prevent recurrence.
While regular treatments for gum disease are effective in managing early stages of the condition, periodontal treatments offer specialised care for more advanced cases. The choice between regular and periodontal treatments depends on the severity of gum disease, the overall health of the patient, and the specific goals of treatment. Consulting with a dental professional can help determine the most appropriate approach for managing gum disease.
