Gum disease is all too common in the United Kingdom and dentists are anxious to something about it, with your help. The unfortunate and painful fact is that gum disease actually leads to more cases of tooth loss than the decay of teeth through cavities. The reasons for the prevalence of gum disease can be put down to many people not recognising the signs of it and also people neglecting to go to the dentist as often as they should.
Gum disease need not get to the stage where tooth loss becomes a concern. In its early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis and it is not a particularly serious business in and of itself. It will lead to greater sensitivity when eating and drinking and maybe a little soreness. But it is very easy to sort out.
It is often the case that it is caused purely by the patient not quite taking the very best possible care of their teeth and the dentist will advise them to change their routine some way. Sometimes specially formulated mouth wash is suggested and in some cases, antibiotics can be taken to rid the gum of the inflammation.
It is vitally important that the disease is sorted out at this stage though for, while gingivitis is relatively benign and more inconvenient than anything else, it can be a harbinger of worse. The next stage of gum disease is a far worse proposition. Periodontitis actively causes tooth loss because the bones holding teeth in place become inflamed and can no longer do their job properly.
Stop periodontal disease in its tracks by brushing and flossing properly at home and going to see your Central Leeds dentist at regular intervals.
Tags: gum disease, tooth loss
