Gum disease (periodontal) is a very common dental condition which leads to swollen, infected, and sore gums. In the early stages it is called gingivitis and the early warning signs can be bleeding gums and bad breath.
If left untreated, it will develop into an advanced stage of the disease known as periodontitis. This is especially detrimental to your oral health as the bone and tissue that supports your teeth will be at risk which in the worst case scenario can lead to substantial tooth loss.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The simplest way to explain is that gum disease is strongly linked to your oral hygiene. When plaque builds up on our teeth, it is effectively covering the surfaces of our teeth with bacteria (which over time eats away at the teeth). If the plaque is not removed, your gums will become irritated and sore.
How To Treat Gum Disease?
The best way to treat this disease is by keeping on top of your oral hygiene. Having a good daily habit will help to tackle the build up of plaque. However, it can be hard to reach all the surfaces of your teeth through conventional methods, and that is why it is recommended you see a dentist every 6 months for a check up and also to have a hygiene visit every 6 months too.
If plaque is not effectively removed, it will eventually harden and turn into tartar. This is when conventional brushing alone will not be able to remove this hard sticky substance, and you will need a professional clean.
Most cases of gum disease can be treated effectively by removing the offending plaque/tartar and giving your whole mouth a thorough clean. In the worst cases when you have advanced periodontitis, you may require a referral to our specialist in periodontics, Dr Khalid Malik.
Call Us For Any Advice
If you are worried that you may have gum disease or you want to learn the best ways to look after your teeth to prevent it from developing. Please do not hesitate to call us and book your dental assessment today.
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