Gum disease is one of the most common oral diseases around and it causes premature tooth loss in the most advanced cases. At Liverpool Dental Spa, one of our main aims is to prevent patients from suffering from gum disease. To do this we offer a range of preventative treatments as well as remedies and therapies to treat existing signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

A brief guide to gum disease

Gum disease affects thousands of adults in the UK and it is currently the most common cause of premature tooth loss. This potentially serious disease is caused by bacteria that collect and multiply in the mouth and combine with food debris and saliva to form plaque, a white film-like substance that sticks to the outer surfaces of the teeth and the gum line. When bacteria feed, they release acids that irritate the gums. This results in soreness, redness, tenderness and swelling. You may also notice that your gums bleed, especially when you brush your teeth. Gingivitis is the name given to mild gum disease, while periodontal disease is the advanced form of gum disease.

Treating gum disease

If we catch gum disease early, there is a good chance we can treat it before it causes any permanent damage. However, it is possible for gingivitis to develop into periodontal disease and at this stage, the bone structure that supports the teeth and gums is also affected.

Treatment for gingivitis usually involves deep cleaning provided by dentists and dental hygienists. You may be advised to attend a series of sessions to ensure the mouth is completely clean and prevent infection from recurring. We will also provide oral hygiene tips to help you maintain good oral hygiene at home.

In the case of periodontal disease, the damage is irreversible. However, it is possible to try and ease symptoms and prevent the disease from becoming more advanced. We recommend regular dental hygiene sessions coupled with dental visits and we provide intensive cleaning to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar from the mouth and help to stem the spread of infection. We use treatments such as scale and polish and root planing to minimise danger and we have a long-term commitment to helping patients fight gum disease.

If you’ve noticed bleeding when you brush your teeth or you have swollen or sore gums, this may be indicative of gum disease and it’s a good idea to see a dentist. We have treatments available to prevent and treat mild and advanced forms of gum disease.

About gum disease

Gum disease is an oral disease caused by bacteria and characterised by painful, inflamed and bleeding gums. Gingivitis, the mild form of gum disease, is usually relatively easy to treat with the use of oral hygiene treatments. However, advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, is much more difficult to treat as it causes permanent effects.

Gum disease gets worse with time, so it’s highly beneficial to act quickly if you notice any warning signs. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness and pain in the gums, and bleeding when you clean your teeth.

What to do if you have gum disease

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, call the clinic and we will make you an appointment. Pay attention to oral hygiene, keep an eye on your diet and avoid excessive sugar consumption. When you see your dentist, they will examine your teeth and gums, and then discuss any issues with you. If you need treatment, your dentist will talk to you about your options, which may include improved oral hygiene at home or cleaning treatments provided by a dental hygienist.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Gum disease is very common, but it’s also preventable. A good daily oral hygiene regime combined with healthy eating and regular dental trips should go a long way to keeping the harmful bacteria responsible for gum disease at arm’s length. If you have any questions or you’d like to find out more about gum disease prevention, our team will be happy to help!

Spring is almost here and it’s time to plan holidays and start looking forward to hazy evenings and barbeques. The last thing you want this summer is to spend your days nursing sore gums and battling gum disease and this is why we are on a mission to banish gum disease for good!

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a common oral disease caused by damaging bacteria that produce acids that aggravate the gums and cause them to become very painful and inflamed. Gum disease is largely preventable and in the early stages, it can be reversed fairly easily. However, it can become more advanced quite quickly and we always recommend early treatment.

Gingivitis is the milder kind of gum disease. The most common signs to look out for include bleeding gums (usually noticeable when you brush your teeth and spit into the sink), swelling and soreness. The advanced type of gum disease is known as periodontal disease or periodontitis and it is much more difficult to treat. This form of gum disease causes irreparable damage not just on the gums, but also to the bone tissue that works to support the teeth. Signs of advanced gum disease include pockets between the teeth and gums, loose teeth, abscesses, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and eventually tooth loss.

When to see a dentist

We recommend routine check-ups every six months, but if you spot potential warning signs of gum disease, it’s best to get in touch as soon as you can so that we can check your gums out and provide any treatment as soon as possible. If you notice bleeding or swelling, don’t wait until your next check-up. Call us and we will book you in as soon as possible. This way, we can make sure that any problems are treated before the situation gets worse.

Preventing gum disease

At Liverpool Dental Spa, we aim to offer our patients the best possible chance of achieving healthy teeth and gums. We urge patients of all ages to attend regular dental checks-ups, we offer preventative and oral hygiene treatments and we are always here to offer advice about oral hygiene at home, foods to avoid for good oral health and giving up smoking.