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.
Tags: Central Leeds, gum disease, gum disease Central Leeds, Gum treatments
