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Posts Tagged ‘gum disease’

Spotting the Signs of Gum Disease

Friday, February 17th, 2017

shutterstock_195237566Gum disease is one of the most common dental health issues. There’s good and bad news when it comes to gum disease. The bad news is that it can cause irreparable damage to your gums and the bone structure beneath. The good news is that it can be prevented. If you’re worried about gum disease, here are some tips to help you spot the danger signs and keep your gums healthy.

Spotting the signs of gum disease

Mild gum disease can be treated, but if it’s left to develop, gum disease can result in severe symptoms, and even premature tooth loss. If you spot the warning signs, see your dentist as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. The most common signs of gum disease include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums (usually this is most noticeable when you brush your teeth)
  • Redness in the gums
  • Painful gums

When gum disease becomes more advanced, you may also notice that your gums have receded (this can make the teeth look longer than normal) and you may experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is preventable, and your best weapon against unwanted symptoms is good oral hygiene. Gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria, which combine with food debris and saliva to form a substance called plaque. The bacteria in plaque release acids, which irritate the gums, and cause them to become painful and inflamed. If you brush twice a day and follow your dentist’s hygiene recommendations, you should be able to keep gum disease at bay. We also recommend regular dental checks, and avoiding a sugary diet. Smoking can also increase your risk of gum disease. If you do spot signs, call and make an appointment as quickly as possible. The sooner we can treat you, the lower the risk of permanent damage.

Prevent Bleeding Gums Quickly And Effectively

Friday, September 18th, 2015

3200188_blogWhen it comes to gum disease, prevention is always better than cure, so here are some helpful tips to help keep sore, bleeding gums at bay.

Hone your hygiene skills: good oral hygiene is the best way to keep gum disease at arm’s length and the best news is that you only have to spend a couple of minutes each morning and evening cleaning your teeth to enjoy amazing results. Brushing is essential, but it doesn’t cover the whole of the mouth, so it’s best to team twice-daily brushing with flossing or inter-dental brushing. When you brush, take care to be gentle, as brushing aggressively can damage the enamel and irritate the gums. It’s also advisable to use fluoride toothpaste and to swap your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

Be wary of warning signs: treating gum disease in the early stages is much easier than treating advanced gum disease and it helps to prevent permanent damage to your gums and the bony structures beneath. If you spot signs of gum disease, make sure you arrange to see your dentist; symptoms to look out for include swelling, bleeding gums, soreness and redness.

Book regular check-ups: regular check-ups enable your dentist to look out for early signs of gum disease and keep tabs on your oral health. Ideally, you should see a dentist every 6-9 months. If you do notice symptoms of gum disease, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for your next appointment.

Resist sweet temptations: many of us enjoy sweet treatments from time to time, but sweet and acidic foods are bad news for your teeth and gums, so it’s important to moderate your sugar intake and try to avoid snacking between meals. When you eat, acids are released by bacteria, which soften your enamel. If you eat throughout the day, this mean that your enamel is under constant attack and eventually it will become eroded and cavities will form. These acids also irritate your gums, causing gingivitis (early gum disease).

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.

 

Banish Gum Disease And Bleeding For Good!

Friday, November 28th, 2014

Gum disease is the last thing you want to deal with in the run-up to Christmas, so we have compiled a brief guide to help you banish bleeding and painful gums for good!

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK; however, it is preventable. The most important thing in the fight against gum disease is a good daily oral hygiene regime. Brushing and flossing help to remove and break down food debris and bacteria in the mouth before they get the chance to join forces and form plaque; plaque is a sticky substance, which attacks the enamel and irritates the gums. We recommend brushing twice a day for 2-3 minutes each time, flossing daily and using inter-dental brushes to clean the tiny gaps between the teeth.

Sticking to a healthy diet can also really help to stave off gum disease; we recommend adopting a healthy eating plan and avoiding eating sugary and acidic foods, such as cakes, sweets, fizzy drinks and fruit juice, on a regular basis. It’s particularly important to avoid snacking on sugary and acidic drinks and foods between meals.

Smoking increases the risk of gum disease because cigarettes contain hundreds of harmful chemicals and smoking affects blood flow to the gums. If you would like to quit smoking, we are here to help!

We also can’t stress the importance of regular dental checks and hygiene sessions enough!

What to do if you think you may have gum disease

If you notice bleeding when you brush, your gums are sore or swollen or you have bad breath, we recommend calling and making an appointment. Even if you don’t have gum disease, it’s much better to get checked out; if you do have early symptoms, these can usually be treated very effectively. It’s very important to treat gum disease as it progresses quickly and can result in permanent damage to the mouth.

No Need To Shudder When Your Tooth Goes Bump In The Night

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014

1787127_blogWhen you head off to bed looking forward to a nice big sleep, the last thing you want is to wake up with terrible tooth pain. With our preventative and general dental services, we can help you to keep dental disease and toothache at bay; we can also offer same-day appointments in the event that you need urgent attention.

Preventing dental disease

Decay and gum disease are common, but they are preventable and with good oral hygiene, a sensible diet and regular dental appointments, you can make a major difference to your oral health.

Oral hygiene is extremely important and cleaning your teeth will help to significantly reduce your risk of dental problems, as well as keeping your teeth looking clean and bright. We recommend brushing twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes each time and flossing daily. If you have any questions about choosing a toothbrush or which toothpaste to use, we will be happy to help.

Diet is another major player when it comes to your oral health and a healthy diet will not just boost your chances of enjoying a great looking smile, it will also contribute to improved general health. Sugary and acidic foods are the main dangers for oral health, so we recommend limiting your intake of these foods and ensuring that you consume them at mealtimes only. When you eat the enamel softens and becomes weaker temporarily; if you snack on sugary treats between meals, this means that your enamel never has time to recover.

Regular dental checks are a great way of reducing your risk of dental injuries, damage to the teeth and oral health diseases. Check-ups are really quick and there’s no need to worry about them. We also recommend dental hygiene sessions; seeing a dental hygienist will help to reduce the risk of illness and infection, as well as making your teeth look radiant.

Prevent Dental Decay With A Quick And Simple Leeds Check Up

Thursday, October 23rd, 2014

iStock_000000363253XSmallDental decay can be a real pain, but with our quick and simple check-ups, we can make sure that your teeth remain healthy, strong and cavity-free. We recommend 6 monthly check-ups for adults and children.

What happens when you have a check up?

Routine check-ups only last a few minutes and you don’t need to worry about a thing; we promise that there won’t be any pain and we do our best to make you feel as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. A check-up is a chance for us to have a look at your teeth and gums and check the soft tissue in your mouth; we will check the teeth for any signs of cavities or decay and make sure there are no signs of gum disease. We record any changes in your notes and discuss any potential issues with you; if you do need treatment, such as a filling, we will arrange an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. We offer oral cancer screening, but we also carry out checks during our routine check-ups. We can also offer advice about teeth cleaning and oral hygiene, diet and giving up smoking.

The importance of check-ups

Check-ups are important for a number of reasons; firstly, they give us a chance to spot developing problems at an early stage and this prevents you from suffering, increases the chances of successful treatment and saves you money. Oral health is really important, not just because we don’t want you suffering with aches and pains or swollen gums, but also because research suggests that gum disease can increase your risk of developing other serious health conditions, including heart disease.  We also perform oral cancer checks as part of your dental check-ups and the earlier signs are spotted, the higher the chance of successful treatment.

With regular check-ups, you can make major strides towards a beautiful, healthy smile; call us today to book your appointment.

Check In And Polish Away Those Dental Cobwebs

Monday, September 29th, 2014

18625010If you’re due a check-up or you’ve you haven’t been to see a dentist for a while, it’s time to pick up the phone and arrange an appointment to brush away those dental cobwebs. Regular check-ups are important for both your dental and general health and they only take a few minutes.

Dental checks

Dental checks take less than ten minutes, but they have a major bearing on your oral health. During a check-up, your dentist will examine your mouth and check for any signs, which could potentially be worrying. If you have early signs of decay or gum disease, treatment can be administered to prevent it from getting any worse and this will save you pain and suffering, time and money.

Ideally, we recommend 6 monthly check-ups, as this enables dentists to keep an eye on the mouth and identify any potential problems as early as possible. If you have dental pain or any symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums, in the meantime, it’s important to see your dentist as early as you can, rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.

Hygienist sessions

In addition to regular dental checks, it’s also highly beneficial to see a dental hygienist on a regular basis. Hygienists are experts in the prevention of dental disease and even a short session can make a massive difference. Hygienists provide a range of dental treatments, including scale and polish, gum disease treatment and prevention and preventative services, such as sealants and fluoride varnish, and they are particularly beneficial for patients who have a high risk of gum disease and those who suffer from halitosis (bad breath).

Heavenly Hygienists Can Put You On The Road To Dental Recovery

Saturday, September 20th, 2014

585804_blogWe are proud to have excellent dental hygienists as part of our dental team. Hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and they help to prevent and treat oral diseases. Our hygienists work with our dentists and nurses to promote good oral health, encourage positive habits and keep oral diseases at bay.

Should I see a dental hygienist?

Many people assume that they only need to see a dental hygienist if they have gum disease or problems like bad breath, but the reality is that every single dental patient can benefit from a trip to the hygienist. This is because dental hygienists provide very powerful cleaning treatments, which are designed to blitz the mouth and remove traces of bacteria, plaque and tartar. This reduces the risk of oral health illnesses and also targets problems such as surface staining, to give your teeth a beautiful healthy glow.

What services do dental hygienists offer?

Our dental hygienists provide an extensive range of treatments, including preventative services, gum disease treatment, cleaning treatments, oral health education and advice and bad breath clinics. Our hygienists work with dentists to treat and manage gum disease and they also provide cleaning treatments, including scale and polish, to prevent and treat decay and bad breath.

We welcome patients of all ages and we often recommend preventative treatment for children, including fluoride varnish and sealant treatment. These treatments help to protect the teeth and lower the risk of tooth decay.

How often should I see a hygienist?

If you have existing dental troubles, we will probably recommend frequent sessions with our hygienists. If you have good oral health, an annual session will be hugely beneficial.

Put A Stop To The Horror Of Gum Disease Here In Leeds

Friday, August 15th, 2014

1850411_blogBleeding gums, swelling and pain: these are all symptoms, which could be prevented with good oral hygiene and healthy eating. Gum disease is the biggest threat to adult oral health in the UK and we are on hand to help you keep those scary symptoms at bay.

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of premature tooth loss; however, it can be prevented very easily. The best way of keeping your gums healthy is to adopt and maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine, which prevents the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film which forms when saliva and food debris combines with bacteria; this is the most dangerous risk factor for gum disease and decay.

Daily brushing, morning and evening, and flossing help to keep the mouth clean and free from dangerous bacteria. Ideally, you should spend 2-3 minutes each morning and evening brushing your teeth, taking care to cover every surface of each individual tooth and brushing along the gum line. Avoid brushing too vigorously, as this could harm your tooth enamel and use a brush with soft bristles to avoid harming the gums.

Flossing is also really important for protecting against gum disease. Flossing removes plaque from the spaces between the teeth and the gum line, which are hard to clean with a brush. You only need to spend a couple of minutes flossing per day and this will make a massive difference to your oral health.

Diet and gum disease

Your diet also has a major impact on your oral health and avoiding certain foods helps to reduce your risk of gum disease; these foods include sugary and acidic products. Acidic foods damage the tooth enamel, while sugary foods cause bacteria to produce acids, which cause the gums to become irritated.

Don’t Take The Risk. Come For A City Leeds Check-Up

Sunday, August 10th, 2014

4390244_blogAre you one of the many people out there who hasn’t had a dental check-up in the last 6-9 months? Many people admit that they don’t have regular check-ups and we strongly advise keeping on top of dental checks, as they are so important for both your dental and general health.

Why are dental check-ups so important?

Regular check-ups are of paramount importance and we strongly advise all our patients, young and old, to see their dentist every 6 months. Frequent checks enable us to look out for signs of developing problems, which means that they can be treated before they get any worse; they also give us the chance to spot any changes in the mouth and to keep an eye on the development of the teeth. Without regular checks, there is a higher risk of decay and gum disease and an increased chance of potentially serious health issues, such as oral cancer, going undiagnosed.

With issues such as oral cancer and gum disease, the longer they are left, the more serious they become. Gingivitis is very easy to treat, but periodontal disease, the advanced form of gum disease, causes permanent damage to the mouth.

Dental health is also an important indicator of general health and there is a significant body of evidence to support the notion that poor oral health leads to an elevated risk of general health issues, from heart disease to diabetes.

What happens during a check-up?

We understand that many patients are apprehensive about seeing a dentist, but we promise that check-ups are quick and painless. They only take a few minutes and your dentist will simply have a quick chat with you to check how you are and whether you’ve had any dental problems and then have a good look at your mouth. Any potential issues or changes will be documented in your notes and if you have a clean bill of health, you won’t have to come back and see us for another 6 months. If you do need treatment, such as a filling, your dentist will explain why and how treatment will benefit you and then you can book an appointment when it is convenient.