Introduction
Gum disease is a painful gum inflammation which if not treated in time can develop into the more advanced form of periodontal disease. Caused by germs in our mouths, our immune systems to try to get rid of the plaque which is what causes an inflammation response and the swelling and redness around the teeth. Preventing gum disease altogether by maintaining healthy gums is always the better option.
What is periodontal disease?
The advance stage of gum disease is called periodontitis and it affects the gum line that covers the tooth root, the fibres, tissues and bone that connect the tooth to the root. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen gums and the seal around the teeth being compromised leading to spaces forming between the teeth and gums. Known as ‘periodontal pockets’ they become a breeding ground for bacteria which become trapped in them. If not looked into these pockets lead to even further damage even affecting the bone. Developing gum disease can be more likely in people who have diabetes or who smoke but equally bad oral hygiene habits play a huge role.
Importance of gum health and how it affects your overall oral health
The connection between good oral health and your overall health has been long established. When you have oral health issues such as gum disease it means there is an excess of bacteria in your mouth that can travel to the rest of your body. Similarly, if you suffer with any chronic conditions such as diabetes, you are more vulnerable to gum disease. Unfortunately, despite being harmful many people do not realise they have gum disease till it is too late, and they start experiencing physical issues such as loose teeth and red and painful gums. Neglected oral issues like as gum disease can trigger other severe health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease stroke and complication during pregnancy, which is why it so important to pay attention to your oral health.
Who is a periodontist?
A dentist who has specialised in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease is a periodontist. They are also specialised in dental implant placements. A dentist or dental hygienist can do treatments for gum disease at the initial or early stages but when the disease is severe or complex a periodontist’s specialised care will be needed as they know how to treat gums, jaw bones and ligaments that support your teeth.
What is gum disease?
Basically, gum disease is a painful inflammation of the gums which results from an excess of bacterial growth and plaque in your mouth and around the teeth and gums. A certain amount of bacteria in the mouth is normal but if not kept in control such as when you brush your teeth, go for a regular dental check or go for a professional clean then the bacteria can form tartar which then turns into plaque. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to live and multiply and go on to cause gum disease. If detected in time treating gum disease is possible before it causes permanent damage such as the loss of teeth.
Gingivitis – this is the most common form of gum disease which most adults can experience at some point. Symptoms include inflammation, discolouration and pian or gingivitis lesions can form caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections. It causes bad breath and even allergic reactions. Early signs can include among others, gums that feel tender and/or bleed easily, swollen or puffy gums and gums that are dark purple or bright or dark red.
Periodontitis – when gingivitis is not treated it develops into periodontitis which affects the tooth root covering, the fibres, tissues and bone. This can result in tooth loss as the disease also damages the seal of the gum which leads to pockets that bacteria get trapped in. At this stage specialised care and treatment will be necessary to try and stop the adverse effects this disease has on your oral health and overall health.
Link between gum diseases and systemic health issues
Studies are ongoing but a connection with gum disease affecting one or more of the body’s systems has been established. Periodontitis is a potential source of infection which can travel over the body and cause respiratory disease, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis.
Preventive measures for gum disease
This is why preventing and treating gum disease is so important. Adopting preventive measures will go a long way to maintaining good oral health and to minimise the potential for further health complications. Gum disease is preventable with good oral care and regular dental checks. A proper daily dental care routine is a must both mornings and evenings, so that you can remove plaque daily to prevent build up.
Brush daily twice a day and be sure to thoroughly clean the gum line as well while being gentle so as not to cause damage. Use a soft to medium bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day at least to completely get rid of any food stuck between the teeth. Include an antibacterial mouthwash once in a while as a further protection against gum disease and bad breath.
If you are a smoker then you should take extra care with your oral hygiene habits as smoking can lead to dry mouth. If you have diabetes then too you have to be extra cautious and not skip on good dental care habits. Eating a diet that will help keep your teeth strong and healthy is advisable whenever possible so that they get nourishment from within as well.
The importance of a dental checkup at least twice a year cannot be stressed enough. Your dental hygienist will be able to spot potential symptoms early and take necessary action. They will also do a deep clean when needed to keep your mouth and teeth clean and healthy. If you wear braces or dentures be sure to keep them clean always.
Treatment approaches in periodontics
If detected at the early stages, deep cleaning or root planing are the best treatments so far to prevent gum disease from progressing. You may also have to take a course of antibiotics, gels or creams to help with the healing. If however it is not treated in time and progresses then there is no cure but there are treatments that can keep it in check. Gum grafting, scaling, periodontal plastic surgery, laser treatment and dental implants are some of the options.
If you are looking for a reputed dentist Canary Wharf for gum disease treatments or for experienced periodontists then Mouth Dental oral surgery London is one of the best options. We provide a range of dental and cosmetic treatments and have a proven track record as a trusted dental practice Canary Wharf.
Conclusion
Taking care of your teeth is the only way to prevent gum disease or its more aggressive form periodontal disease. If you are looking for a Canary Wharf dentist to help you with looking after your teeth and preventing or treating gum disease then do get in touch with Mouth Dental. Our team of dentists Canary Wharf have earned a trusted name in the field.
