Are you worried about gum disease? If you have noticed your gums bleeding, signs of bad breath, or feel some movement in your teeth, it's probably time to see your dentist.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition that affects the gums and bone which surround the teeth. When our gums are healthy, they will be pale pink in colour and feel firm to the touch. When gums become red and swollen, this is most likely being caused by the presence of gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and if it is left untreated, can lead to loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease resulting most often from poor oral hygiene. This form of gum disease will cause the gums to become inflamed, red, swollen and bleed very easily. Bleeding is often the first sign of gingivitis and is usually most noticeable when brushing or flossing the teeth. Gingivitis can present very few/mild symptoms, making it hard to detect if you don't regularly attend your dentist or oral hygienist.
Thankfully, if caught early enough, gingivitis can be reversed with the help of professional dental treatment, followed by a good home oral care routine. This is because at this stage the bacteria has not yet managed to affect the bones surrounding the teeth.
To treat gingivitis your dental hygienist will clean the teeth professionally and then advise you on the correct methods to improve your at-home cleaning routine. Basic periodontal treatments will involve cleaning out the deposits of plaque from above and below the gums, followed by home oral care.
When gum disease is left untreated, what was once a mild case of gingivitis will move to a more advanced stage and become Periodontitis. This occurs when plaque deposits have been allowed to spread and grow between the gum lines. The accumulated bacteria will irritate the gums and cause the tissues and bone, the support system of the teeth, to become destroyed. The gums will begin to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. These pockets will continue to become deeper and more and more gum tissue and bone will be destroyed in the process, eventually leading to the teeth failing and either becoming so loose they fall out or need to be extracted.
Periodontal disease can range from mild, moderate and advanced. Unfortunately, once the periodontal disease has occurred at any stage, it cannot be reversed like gingivitis, it can however, be stopped in it's tracks and looked after. If you have periodontal disease, we can provide a variety of different specialist treatment options depending on the severity of your case.
At Belmore Dental we offer both non-surgical and surgical options to treat periodontal disease depending on the severity of the case. Non-surgical treatments will involve a very in-depth cleaning of all of the surfaces under the teeth, above and below the gum using a fine powdered air flow machine, deep scaling and hand operated cleaning instruments on the tooth surfaces.
Surgical treatments will involve a more in-depth cleaning of the teeth below the gum line, using surgical techniques to access the area. There are two different types of gum surgery available as a treatment:
After a course of periodontal treatment, your gums will be healthier which will, in turn, help your teeth to become more stable, allowing you to keep them for as long as possible. Redness, swelling and bleeding should all settle down well and if you were experiencing any pain or discomfort this should ease also.
The best way to prevent gum disease of any kind is with a good home oral care routine including twice-daily brushing and thorough flossing at least once a day before brushing. Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your mouth is kept under consistent review so changes can be picked up on quickly and treated accordingly. Visiting your dental hygienist is equally as important for the prevention of plaque build-up and in turn gum disease. Eating a healthy balanced diet is also a key factor in preventing gum disease, minimising the intake of sugary foods and drinks. Avoiding tobacco products in any form will also be a key factor in the prevention of gum disease. Smoking weakens and suppresses the immune system, making it much harder to fight off infection, once an infection has taken hold and damaged the gums, smoking will also make it harder for this to heal.
"I had been going through treatment for cancer and as time went on through my treatment, I noticed that my gums had receded quite a lot, leaving horrible gaps between my teeth which I really did not like. Cancer knocks your confidence enough through hair loss etc and seeing my smile change as well knocked it so much more.
I am really pleased and impressed with the amazing job Joe has done with my teeth. He used composite bonding to fill in the gaps and I am totally blown away with the end result, Joe was completely honest about what was achievable due to the nature of my gums. I also have to mention Tanya, she is a brilliant oral hygienist, she has done an amazing job on my gums and settled them right down.
I did a lot of research to see who would be the best clinic to look at my gums and teeth and to see what could be done for me. I found Belmore Dental online and looked at the testimonials and pictures of the work they have done and I just knew this was the place I wanted to go to, I'm so glad I went with them as my final choice.
I would highly recommend anyone considering any time of treatment to go to Belmore, I promise you won't be disappointed. From the reception staff, dental nurses, Tanya, Joe, all of the staff are so lovely and put you right at ease. I have to mention I am a bit of a nervous patient when it comes to needles and I have to say when Joe gave me an injection, I literally could not feel it, I was honestly so impressed by this."
Shareen
"I've been attending the Belmore Clinic for the last 3 plus years. My gums were in a very bad state when I first attended and due to my ignorance were causing me huge problems with my teeth. For example, I had a Bridge that regularly fell out at very inappropriate moments. Joe McEnhill fixed this immediately and then recommended further Periodontal treatment to sort out a variety of problems left over from a childhood bike crash. Between Joanna McEnhill, who took over the Periodontal treatment, and Joe, who planned the work required, I can say that for the first time in my life, I can smile with complete confidence and know that my gum disease is being checked and under control. I can't recommend Joe and Joanna and all the team enough. They really do care about you and I owe them a huge thanks and sincerest gratitude."
Joe
"I've just finished a course of periodontal treatment at Belmore and can honestly say that my mouth hasn't felt this healthy in years. Perio is never pleasant but Tanya made it as painless and stress-free as possible with her gentle, professional care. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. Thank you."
Bernie
