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Posts Tagged ‘Gum Disease Prevention’

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.

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.

Protect Your Health With A Visit To Our Hygienist

Tuesday, October 14th, 2014

585986_blogIf you’re determined to keep dental disease in check and preserve perfectly white, shiny pearly whites, we strongly recommend seeing one of our amazing dental hygienists.

About dental hygienists

Our incredible dental hygienists are expertly trained to provide treatments to prevent oral disease and promote good oral health. With intensive cleaning treatments and preventative services, such as fluoride varnish and sealants, our hygienists are on hand to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Our treatments include preventative treatments, gum disease treatment, scale and polish and surface stain removal and information and advice about issues such as oral hygiene at home, giving up smoking and diet.

Why should I see a dental hygienist?

Even if you have healthy teeth and a clean bill of oral health, it can be hugely beneficial to see a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and the treatments they provide can help to keep dental disease at bay and ensure your teeth look bright and beautiful. Regular treatments rid the mouth of potentially harmful bacteria and polish the teeth and remove stains to make them sparkle and shine.

We recommend annual sessions for patients with good oral health and more frequent sessions for patients who have gum disease or bad breath or a high risk of developing dental problems.

You can now book directly with our dental hygienists, rather than being referred by a dentist; simply call our reception team!