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Posts Tagged ‘Leeds Treats Gum Disease’

Learn About Periodontal Disease And Its Symptoms

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

3268322_blogPeriodontal disease is a stage of gum disease. It infects the tissues that support your teeth and the bone that surrounds them.  Along with tooth decay it’s one of the two most major threats to a person’s dental health and thus should be taken very seriously.

Symptoms of gum disease

It begins as gingivitis as the gums become red and swollen, eventually causing them to bleed. If it’s left untreated for a period of time, gingivitis can then develop into something a lot more severe called periodontitis and this can spell disaster. With periodontitis the teeth can be severely loosened and may even fall out entirely. This is because periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and the surrounding bone can be lost. It is important to do your best to ensure that this disease doesn’t take effect or have time to develop. It’s a good idea to look out for some of the symptoms that precede periodontal disease, including bad breath, red or swollen gums, pain when chewing, and sensitive or loose teeth. But if you don’t manage to prevent it from occurring there are ways to manage it.

How can it be treated?

To keep gingivitis at bay it’s absolutely vital to both floss and brush regularly as this stops bacteria building up in between teeth and on the gums. Seeing a dentist at least once a year could mean the difference between gingivitis being caught early and therefore not developing into the far more severe periodontitis. If you suffer from any of the preceding symptoms that were mentioned earlier, it’s even more necessary to see a dental professional. A dentist is able to do a lot more intensive treatments that will help, such as prescribing medicines, deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces and sometimes, if necessary, corrective surgery.

Book an appointment today for a dental check-up at City Dental Leeds.

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.

Going for Gold with Gum Treatment

Thursday, July 2nd, 2015

2823674_blogAt City Dental Leeds we’re always aspiring to provide gold star standard treatment for our clients and when it comes to gum disease, we have an array of preventative and curative measures. We strongly believe that prevention is always better than cure and we’re here to keep gum disease firmly at bay. If you have signs of gum disease or you wish to maintain a clean bill of oral health, you’ve come to the right place.

About gum disease

Gum disease is a common oral disease, which is caused by harmful bacteria releasing acids that irritate the gums. The main symptoms of gum disease include swollen or sore gums, bleeding (which is most noticeable when you clean your teeth), tenderness and redness. The early signs of gum disease are usually relatively easy to treat and this is why it’s so important to see your dentist if you notice symptoms. If mild gum disease is left untreated, it can develop fairly quickly and advanced gum disease is much trickier to treat.

The main risk factor for gum disease is poor oral hygiene, but a diet packed with sugary foods, smoking and avoiding regular dental appointments can also elevate the risk.

Preventative measures

The best way to fight gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene at home, see your dentist every six to nine months for a check-up and try to steer clear of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. It’s also really beneficial to be aware of the potential warning signs and to act on them if they become noticeable. Booking an appointment at an early stage helps to stop gum disease in its tracks. In order to keep the mouth as clean as possible, we recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. We also highly recommend seeing a dental hygienist at least once every 12 months for a deep clean.

Treating gum disease

Gingivitis, the mild form of gum disease, can usually be tackled with oral hygiene treatments and good cleaning techniques at home. In more severe cases, a number of sessions is usually recommended and these will be provided by our dentists and dental hygienists, who work together to ease symptoms and stem the spread of infection. The aim of gum disease treatment is to prevent the situation from getting worse and ensure that you don’t feel any pain. We tend to use a combination of techniques and treatments including regular hygiene sessions, scale and polish and root planing.

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.

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.

Good Grief! Gum Disease Can Be A Thing Of The Past In Heartland Leeds

Friday, April 11th, 2014

863081_blogGum disease is a condition, which affects thousands of people in the UK, but with good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, we can make sure that you are not one of the statistics. The good thing about gum disease is that it is completely preventable and we firmly believe that prevention is always a better option than cure.

Gum disease is most commonly caused by plaque, a sticky substance, which forms when bacteria combine with food debris and saliva. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become swollen, sore and tender. Bleeding from the gums is usually the first sign people notice. The best way to prevent plaque from developing in the mouth is to clean the teeth regularly and floss; when you brush your teeth, you remove bacteria and leftover bits of food from your mouth and this prevents harmful bacteria from gathering around the teeth and gums. Flossing is also essential because it targets areas, such as the gaps between the teeth, which cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush.

Treating gum disease

If you already have signs of gum disease, there is no need to panic; we can help! Our dentists work with highly trained dental hygienists to treat and manage gum disease and to reduce symptoms and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In cases of advanced gum disease, treatment usually takes a long time and involves repeat hygiene sessions. The most common treatments used for periodontal disease include scale and polish and root planning, which is designed to clean beneath the gum line.