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Gum Disease: The Signs and Treatments

Saturday, September 26th, 2015

429735_blogGum disease is the UK’s major reason for tooth loss in adults. However, it is a preventable problem and one that can be successfully treated if it’s caught soon enough.

The signs of gum disease

The main signs of gum disease include bleeding gums and gums that are swollen, red and/or tender. The gums may appear to be pulling away from the teeth and you might persistently experience a bad taste in the mouth. A tooth or number of teeth could feel loose and your bite may have changed as well.

Causes of gum disease

Gum disease is primarily caused by dental plaque that has been allowed to build up around the gum line.The bacteria found in plaque produce a form of acid and other toxins which begin to eat away the gum tissue. If left untreated the acid will eventually begin to eat away the teeth and the underlying jaw bone. This is why it is important to brush twice daily and floss every night.

What treatments can be used to cure gum disease?

Stage 1 Treatment:

In the very early stages your dentist might suggest that you improve your oral hygiene routine. The following may be suggested to you: begin to brush your teeth and gums for 2 to 3 minutes twice daily and flossing every night. If possible use an electric toothbrush as these remove more plaque than a manual one and use an antiseptic mouthwash. This form of treatment may well be enough to cure the problem.

Stage 2 Treatment:

A professional scale and polish may be the next step as this will ensure that all plaque and tartar is removed. It will also include cleaning under the gumline, which should remove the problem plaque and cure the infection.

Stage 3 Treatment:

In some cases of gum disease ‘root planning treatment’ is required. This is essentially a deep clean which gets below the gum line and under the teeth to the roots. This is done under local anaesthetic and patients may feel some discomfort for a few days after the treatment. However, this can be soothed with over the counter painkillers.

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Why It’s Important to Report Bleeding Gums to Your Dentist

Tuesday, July 21st, 2015

585804_blogWith any other part of the body, most people would seek urgent help if they noticed abnormal bleeding. But with the gums, many of us admit to ignoring blood, often assuming that the problem will resolve itself. At City Dental Leeds, one of our main priorities is to prevent gum disease and equip patients with knowledge and advice to keep their gums healthy. If you notice bleeding when you brush, please get in touch and arrange an appointment. Often, there will be nothing to worry about but if you do have signs of gum disease we will provide a speedy remedy before it gets any worse.

What do bleeding gums mean?

Bleeding gums are one of the most common symptoms of gum disease, an oral disease that can potentially lead to the premature loss of the teeth. Gum disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth release acids that irritate the gums. The most common risk factor for gum disease is poor oral hygiene. However, smoking can also increase the risk of developing gum disease and our diets also play a role in the status of our gum health.

Other symptoms of gum disease include swelling, pain, soreness and tenderness.

When should I see my dentist?

If you have inflamed or sore gums or spot blood when brushing your teeth, it’s advisable to get in touch and book a session with us. With gum disease, symptoms tend to get worse fairly quickly and dealing with them as early as possible is always the best course of action. In many cases of gingivitis (mild gum disease), it is possible to prevent the advancement of the disease by providing powerful cleaning treatments and adopting good oral hygiene practises at home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dental health, so if you do have bleeding gums, notice changes in your mouth or develop dental pain, the best course of action is to get checked out.

To book an appointment, simply call us today.

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Gum Disease: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

3520145_blogAt City Dental we provide expert dental care to prevent and treat gum disease, one of the most common dental diseases in the UK. Whether you have a clean bill of oral health, have symptoms of mild gum disease or are suffering with periodontal disease, we can help.

Diagnosing gum disease

Gum disease is caused by the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth that release acids that irritate the gums, causing them to swell and become extremely sore and tender. In the early stages, the most common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums (this is usually noticeable when you clean your teeth or floss), inflammation and pain in and around the gums. As gum disease progresses, additional signs may become noticeable. These include bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and the formation of pockets located between the teeth and gums. In order to diagnose gum disease, our dentists use their experience and expertise to assess and detect symptoms through thorough examination of the mouth and particularly the gums. In severe cases, additional tests to determine the extent of damage to the bone tissue beneath the gums may also be carried out.

Treating gum disease

Treatment for gum disease is usually provided by dentists and dental hygienists. In mild cases, good oral hygiene helps to reduce symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. We may also offer you advice for practising good oral hygiene at home and recommend frequent dental hygiene sessions. In the case of advanced gum disease, treatment requires a long-term approach as periodontal disease causes permanent damage to the bone supporting the teeth. The aim of treatment is to minimise damage and to ease symptoms. Frequent dental hygiene sessions are recommended and treatments such as root planing and scale and polish are used. In very severe cases, surgery may be required.

Preventing gum disease

Thankfully, gum disease is preventable in most cases and there are some really easy steps you can follow to help you reduce your risk of developing oral health problems. These include:

  • brushing your teeth twice a day
  • brushing for at least two minutes each time
  • using fluoride toothpaste
  • brushing gently
  • flossing daily or using inter-dental brushes
  • limiting your sugar intake
  • seeing a dentist for a check-up every six months

We also recommend trying to quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, as it reduces oxygen flow to the gums. We understand that it can be very difficult to quit smoking and we are able to offer practical advice and support to help you to give up for good.

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Why You Shouldn’t Dismiss Bleeding Gums

Friday, June 12th, 2015

364999_blogIf you notice bleeding when you brush your teeth, we strongly recommend calling and making an appointment. Bleeding gums are sometimes a sign of gum disease and the sooner we can sort this problem out, the better. Sadly, with gum disease, the longer you leave it, the worse it becomes and severe gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among UK adults. If you’ve spotted blood when you brush, now is the time to see your dentist.

About gum disease

Gum disease is one of the most common preventable illnesses among UK adults. It is caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth, which give off acids that irritate the gums and result in them becoming inflamed and painful. These acids are also responsible for enamel wear, which increases the risk of cavities. Plaque, the main risk factor for gum disease and decay, forms when bacteria join forces with food debris and saliva. It is a sticky, colourless substance that clings to the teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene should be sufficient to keep plaque at bay, but we also highly recommend paying attention to your diet and steering clear of foods that contain a lot of sugar and acidic foods and drinks.

When should I see a dentist?

Sometimes gums bleed because of an injury or over-brushing, but often bleeding gums are symptomatic of gum disease. If you see blood when you brush your teeth, your gums are swollen or sore or they look very red, we recommend calling and making an appointment. It is always better to treat dental issues early, as there is a risk of them becoming more complex and severe. Mild gum disease (gingivitis) is relatively easy to treat, however advanced gum disease (periodontal disease) is much more serious and often results in tooth loss. We advise six monthly check-ups for all patients, but if you do develop symptoms between appointments, don’t wait for your next scheduled check – call as soon as you can.

If you would like any information about gum disease or would like to make an appointment, simply call us or pop in during office hours.

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We Can Make Gum Disease a Thing of the Past

Monday, May 4th, 2015

3177025_blogAt City Dental Leeds, our aim is to make dental diseases disappear and ensure that our clients feel confident when they smile. Prevention is always better than cure and we offer advice in addition to routine and preventative dental treatments to help banish decay and gum disease and enable patients to stay free from pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Whether you have a clean bill of oral health or you have existing signs and symptoms, we can make gum disease a thing of the past!

What is a gum disease?

Gum disease is an oral disease that causes the gums to become swollen and painful. It s caused by bacteria and is most commonly a result of poor oral hygiene. The gums become inflamed and sore when bacteria release acids that irritate them. These bacteria are present in plaque, a sticky film that develops when saliva combines food debris and bacteria. Plaque clings to the gums and the surfaces of the teeth and it is also responsible for causing tooth decay.

There are 2 principal forms of gum disease. These are gingivitis and periodontal disease, also referred to as periodontitis. The former is a mild form of gum disease, while the latter is a severe form that causes irreparable damage to the gums and the bone structure beneath the gums.

The most common signs of gum disease are inflammation, redness and tenderness in the gums, along with pain and bleeding. Most people first suspect they have gum disease when they notice their gums bleeding when they clean their teeth.

When should I see a dentist?

If you notice any warning signs of gum disease, including swelling, soreness or bleeding gums, it’s always advisable to see your dentist. It’s relatively easy to treat gingivitis, but if gum disease is left alone, it can develop quickly and once it becomes advanced, it is much harder to manage.

If you do have signs of gum disease, our excellent dentists and dental hygienists will work together to draw up a treatment plan that aims to minimise damage to the gums and oral structures and reduce pain. The treatment of advanced gum disease usually involves frequent oral hygiene procedures.

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Put a Stop to Gum Disease with Preventative Dentistry

Tuesday, April 14th, 2015

18625044Whoever coined the phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ was spot on, especially when it comes to oral health. At City Dental Leeds, we actively promote preventative dentistry and healthy lifestyle choices to ensure our clients don’t have to put with troublesome teeth and painful gums. We offer a range of general dental treatments and oral hygiene services to protect against and prevent oral diseases, including gum disease, and we encourage all our patients to come and see us every six months for a quick check-up.

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is very common, but it’s also preventable. It is caused by harmful bacteria that produce strong acids that irritate the gums and bring about soreness and inflammation. The most common risk factor for gum disease is poor oral hygiene. If you neglect your teeth cleaning regime, bacteria multiply and combine with food debris and saliva to form plaque. Plaque is sticky and it clings to the gums and tooth surfaces. As well as being a contributor to gum disease, plaque is also the most common cause of decay. You can remove bacteria and traces of food easily by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing on a regular basis.

In addition to an excellent daily oral hygiene regime, we also recommend regular dental check-ups and an annual oral hygiene treatment. If you are at risk of developing gum disease, more frequent hygiene sessions will be highly beneficial.

We also recommend paying attention to your diet and trying to avoid regularly consuming foods and drinks that are acidic or have high sugar content.

As smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, we also advise patients to try and cut down or preferably give up altogether. We understand that this can be a very difficult process and we are here to offer advice and support.

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We Can Prevent But Also Treat Gum Disease In Central Leeds

Monday, January 5th, 2015

1788888_blogWhen it comes to gum disease, we have the expertise to prevent and treat cases and we cater for patients with diverse needs, from those who have good oral health and no signs of decay or gum disease, to those who have advance gum disease and require ongoing treatment. We aim to make you feel comfortable and to do everything we can to improve your oral health.

About gum disease

Gum disease is a very common oral disease, which is characterised by swollen and sore gums; it is caused by acids released by harmful bacteria in plaque, which irritate the gums. Most cases of gum disease are linked to poor oral hygiene, but smoking and diet can also play a role.

Plaque forms when bacteria and food debris are joined together by saliva; it is a sticky film-like substance, which can grip onto the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line.

Preventing gum disease

The best way of preventing gum disease is to focus on oral hygiene and ensure you keep your mouth as clean as possible. Twice daily brushing and daily flossing are effective ways of cleaning away food traces and bacteria before they are able to develop into plaque. We also highly recommend seeing a dentist for a check-up every 6-9 months and seeing a hygienist for a cleaning treatment every 12 months. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which increase the risk of acid erosion of the enamel and gum irritation, is also advisable.

Treating gum disease

In mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis), good oral hygiene is usually sufficient to clear symptoms and reverse any damaging effects; however, in more advanced cases, where gingivitis has developed into periodontal disease, treatment is not as straightforward. Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis) causes irreversible damage to the gums and the bone tissue beneath them, which hold the teeth in place. Once the bone is damaged, the teeth start to become less secure in their sockets and will eventually come loose.

Severe gum disease requires careful management and treatment takes place over a prolonged period of time; our dentists and dental hygienists work together to perform procedures, which remove harmful bacteria, plaque and tartar from the mouth to cleanse the and protect the gums and to ensure that patients feel as comfortable as possible.

 

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Recognise and Combat Gum Disease in Central Leeds

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be a painful and sometimes embarrassing condition for many people. Caused by an accumulation of harmful bacteria, it can cause inflammation, recession and bleeding of the gums.

Recognising the symptoms of gum disease is relatively easy, the first sign to look for is a change of colour in the tissue. Healthy gums should be a shade of coral or pink, whilst diseased gums will become redder in colour and will appear slightly swollen. In addition, bleeding gums is a sure sign of periodontal disease. Your gums should not bleed when you brush your teeth, if they do, you most definitely will have some form of gum disease. Bad breath can be caused by gum disease as the bacteria that build up in the mouth give off a foul smell, similar to rotting eggs. Receding gums are a sure sign of gum disease, this is caused by a lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissue, resulting in damaged and dead tissue. As a result of many of these symptoms, the teeth themselves will become extremely sensitive, loose and may eventually fall out.

There is however, hope for sufferers of periodontal disease in Central Leeds. Dentists are able to treat the problem from their own clinics and the process is relatively quick and simple. If the infection is purely superficial, the damaged tissue, and the bacteria that caused it, can be removed by mechanical scraping during a process called ‘root planning’. If the problem goes deeper than the surface, a therapy can be used that eradicates the diseased pockets, removing more of the gums through a surgical procedure.

Prevention is better than a cure in the case of periodontal disease. Brushing of the teeth and tongue can prevent the build up of bacteria around the gums and flossing can be equally as important in removing stubborn plaque. In addition, the tobacco found in cigarettes can actually cause or increase the severity of gum disease and the use of such substances should be stopped immediately to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

 

 

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Problems from Mouth to Body in Central Leeds

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

If you look after your mouth efficiently, it will look after your body and vice versa. But take good oral hygiene out of the equation, no matter how fit and strong your body is, it will over time suffer the ravages that bad oral hygiene can cause. It only takes a few weeks of ignoring your mouth in central Leeds for evil to set in and the worst of all is gum disease. Essentially, having gum disease means that day after day, your gums are releasing poison into the bloodstream and this will soon start to clog the arteries, the heart, the liver and the kidneys- you will also be leaving yourself open to diabetes as well. Another problem that affects the heart is sleep apnea: at night your heart, lungs and brain work in unison whilst you sleep. But if you are obese and or drink a lot, it can affect the way you take in air, which in turn dissembles the way the unison of the big three work and starved of oxygen, the heart will falter, weaken and over time give up the fight. You need to identify such problems and your dentist is the person to ask and the person to offer remedies.

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