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Gum Disease Treatment

Don't ignore your gums or the early signs of gum diseases!

 

toothbrush for preventing gum disease

 

Bleeding while you brush, swollen gums or bad breath? You might be suffering from gum disease.

 

Gum disease is an extremely common condition, most frequently caused by poor oral hygiene. It causes the gums to become inflamed, infected or sore. If left untreated, this can lead to bad breath, bleeding and even loose teeth.

Most people will experience gum disease at least once in their lives, so everyone is at risk if not prevented or quickly treated. You must take action to address any gum issues quickly, as severe gum diseases can lead to tooth loss.

The good news is the condition can be easily prevented by caring for your oral hygiene through brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.

Our dental check-up service at Dee Dental Paisley is here to monitor your gum health, flagging any warning signs of gum disease. If you're experiencing any of the below symptoms, our experienced hygienist will quickly treat you by professionally cleaning your teeth, flushing all bad bacteria away and improving your oral health.

If you're suffering from severe gum disease, our friendly team is here to support you. The best thing you can do is to book an appointment with us today, so we can assess what the next steps are.

 

How do I know if I'm suffering from gum disease?

Contrary to popular belief, pain isn't the only indicator of gum disease. In fact, many patients may not even feel any pain at all. 

Some signs to look out for that may indicate inflamed or infected gums include:Oral-B toothbrush helping to prevent gum disease

  • Bleeding gums, especially when you brush your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Gum recession
  • Persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth
  • Gums which have become swollen, tender or red
  • Visible pus surrounding teeth or the gums
  • Pain when chewing foods
  • Teeth that are very sensitive to cold or hot temperatures

If you have any of these symptoms, it's crucial you book in with a dental professional right away.

 

Do I need to seek treatment for gum disease?

The short answer is yes. If left untreated, gum disease can have a catastrophic impact on your oral and even bodily health.

Not only are your gums integral to the appearance and function of your teeth, but they actually affect the wellness of your entire body. Some research has shown that gum diseases are linked to cardiovascular problems

If left alone, inflammation of the gum line can affect the surrounding bone which supports your teeth. This can lead to them becoming loose and eventually removed.

But don't worry! Our professional dental team at Dee Dental Paisley can treat gum disease by using a range of safe, effective and comfortable methods.

 

patient with dentist to ensure no gum disease developsHow we treat gum disease

There are several ways we treat gum disease at our clinic, depending on the severity of the case and the type that has developed.

The first step we recommend if you notice any signs of disease in your gums is to book yourself for a dental appointment with our friendly team. Our periodontist can have a look and better understand what course of action is needed to get you back on top of your oral health.

From there, your dentist will advise further treatment, such as:


A visit to the dental hygienist

If you have a mild case of gum disease, our dental surgery might refer you to our dental hygienist, who will perform a routine scale and polish. This is a professional clean of your mouth, which removes plaque and bacteria under the gum line and helps to eradicate the disease and restore healthy gums.


Mouthwash

Another form of treatment for minor cases of gum disease is antiseptic mouthwash, which contains chlorhexidine or hexetidine.

Available over the counter from a pharmacy, they can often help control plaque build-ups but should not be used for longer than four weeks. For more information on whether you should use an antiseptic mouthwash, check with your dentist for all the information.

 

Other gum disease treatmentsdental tools to treat gum disease

If gum disease is left to develop, other surgical treatments may be necessary. Root planing may be needed to deep clean under the gums to clean away any bacteria that is not reachable by regular cleaning.

Your gum line will recede as you lose gum tissue, leaving the tooth more vulnerable to disease. To restore receding gums, your dentist might recommend soft tissue grafts. This is where other skin from your mouth is taken and attached to your gums. This helps protect the root of your tooth more effectively and improves appearance.

If pockets or recesses have begun to appear, then gingival flap surgery is sometimes necessary to reduce periodontal pockets and further infection risk. Bone grafting may also be required in some cases to restore any lost bone.

 


Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the common types of gum diseases?
 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. A build-up of plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria, causes gums to become inflamed and bleed when brushed.

By removing the plaque and looking after your gums and teeth properly, gingivitis will likely disappear. However, if untreated, it can develop into a more severe form of periodontitis gum disease.

Periodontitis

Periodontal diseases develop when gingivitis is left untreated and spreads to the surrounding bone and ligaments, which hold your teeth in place. Your gums begin to pull away from teeth and leave pockets, which trap more plaque and may become unreachable when using a regular or electric toothbrush.

Over time plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) irritate the gums and lead to infections and abscesses that reveal the roots of teeth, causing them to become loose and feel overly sensitive. 

Acute Necrotising
Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)

ANUG is a severe form of bacterial infection that causes swelling, bad breath, ulcers and pain. This form of gum disease cannot be treated through better oral hygiene. If you develop ANUG or any of its symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or painful ulcers, consult your dentist as soon as possible.

 

How can I prevent gum disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to clean your teeth thoroughly and daily. By consistently removing all the plaque from around your teeth and gums, you'll keep your teeth healthy and prevent serious issues from arising.

Up to four times a year, regular check-ups will help you stay on top of any developing disease and treat it before it can develop into something more severe. On top of these visits, we recommend you keep up the following steps:

  • Brush your teeth for two minutes, both before and after sleeping
  • Using a toothpaste that contains the right amount of fluoride to help protect against tooth decay
  • Flossing or using interdental brushes regularly
  • Stop smoking

 

What other factors lead to gum disease?

While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause, a few other factors can lead to gum disease.

These include:

  • Hormonal changes (for example, during pregnancy)

Hormonal changes can lead to gums becoming more sensitive. This may also encourage some to brush more lightly to reduce gum pain, allowing plaque to build.

  • Illness

Illnesses are also linked to the development of gum disease. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV are just some examples of illnesses that can significantly impact your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

  • Medication

Certain medications can lessen the flow of saliva around your mouth. Saliva has a protective effect on gums and teeth, and so any reduction of it can lead to gum disease. Other medications can also cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.

  • Bad habits

Smoking, excess alcohol, and other bad habits can also lead to poor oral hygiene and contribute to gum disease development.

  • Family history

If you have a known family history of dental disease, take extra care and visit your dentist regularly, especially if you begin to see minor symptoms of gum disease.
 

 

Contact our dental practice today if you need further advice or are worried about your oral hygiene. We'd be happy to discuss the best ways we can help your gums stay healthy.