Gum disease treatment
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an inflammatory gum condition when the immune system responds excessively to bacteria build up (plaque) around the teeth.
In some patients, the inflammatory response is poorly controlled and results in damage to the gums and bone around the teeth which can lead to bone loss which is irreversible.
Who is affected by gum disease
Approximately 10% of the population develops severe gum disease. By the age of 60, around 80% of people will display some loss of bone around teeth. Tooth loss can be managed with dentures, dental implants and bridges.
There is a genetic link so potentially siblings or children of a person with gum disease face an increased risk of developing the condition.
Your Sycamore House dentist will routinely monitor your gums as part of a regular check-up.
Three things you can do to improve your gum health
Brush and floss daily
Using the “right tools” for the job will give you a better clean. For most people, electric toothbrushes make it easier to clean better. In-between-teeth-cleaning daily will allow you to reach areas that are beyond the reach of a toothbrush. Find the way that suits you best whether it be flossing, using a Waterpik® or TEPE®-type brushes.
In-between-teeth (interdental) cleaning
his is just as important as toothbrushing. It is vital that you are able to clean your teeth to a high standard so that the plaque (bacteria) levels are below the level that triggers inflammation. Your hygienist at Sycamore House Dental Practice will help you fine tune your technique. Even if you are doing a good job already, it is usually possible to improve things a little bit with the right advice.
If you smoke or vape, consider quitting
Smokers lose three times more teeth than non-smokers and do not respond as well to treatment as non-smokers. Stopping smoking is an important part of improving the health of your gums as well as reducing your cancer risk. See a dental hygienist and get the best preventive care for you. Good gum health is a lifelong team effort. Gum inflammation and periodontal disease can be treated successfully. Gum disease cannot be “cured”. Like other conditions such as diabetes or asthma, gum disease treatment aims to stabilise and prevent further damage and allow you to keep your teeth in the best health for as long as possible.
To learn more about ways to improve your gum health, visit the British Society of Periodontolgy website here
Gum (periodontal) disease FAQs
If the gum inflammation is allowed to persist or if it is poorly controlled, the teeth can become loose, gums might shrink, teeth may become infected or fall out.
Your dentist will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis. Gum disease can affect one or multiple teeth, it can be localised or generalised, mild or severe. Your treatment recommendations will be specific to your risk profile and is likely to involve recommendations on ways to improve your dental hygiene routine as well as regular hygienist sessions to remove accumulated plaque and tartar such as scaling and polishing.
At Sycamore House Dental, we use modern equipment to make any treatment as comfortable as possible. If you find having your teeth cleaned uncomfortable, your hygienist can numb the area or can adjust the technique used to what works best for you.
