How Serious Is Gum Disease?
Some patients may underestimate the effects of this common dental issue.
If you don’t suffer from gum disease, or are not aware of having done so in the past, it is quite likely that you might associate it with a bit of bleeding when you brush your teeth as it is often portrayed on TV. You might think that, as long as it doesn’t cause any pain, then it really isn’t such a big issue. However, the reality is that gum disease can have devastating consequences for our Canterbury patients, particularly if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
While, as you will see, gum disease can have a big impact on your oral health, the truth is that it shouldn’t ever really reach this stage and some general care and early intervention should prevent this. Unfortunately, not everyone does this and they may well suffer the unfortunate consequences that result.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease occurs when the bacteria in our mouth becomes out of control. While some of this bacteria is good; for example in breaking down the food that we consume, other bacteria can contribute to both gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the earlier stage of gum disease, can be managed reasonably well, periodontitis is much more serious and can affect not only the gums, but the bone that secures the teeth in place as well. If this happens, the teeth are likely to become loose and may even eventually fall out. In addition to this, there are plenty of unpleasant side effects of gum disease. These include not only bleeding gums, but inflammation and also halitosis, a particularly unpleasant form of bad breath.
How can I prevent it?
There are many simple things that you can do to help prevent gum disease. Good oral health care is essential and certain habits, such as smoking should be stopped altogether as this is a significant contributor to gum disease and poor oral health in general. Diligent brushing is important but so too is flossing. This is something that too few of us do, but is also an easy way to improve your oral health. If you struggle to do this, mention it to the hygienist at Bradley and Partners Dental and Implant Clinic next time you come for your hygiene appointment and they will be able to demonstrate how to do this with ease.
We mention the hygienist, as some of you may have probably thought ‘but i don’t see the hygienist’. If you did think this, then this is something that you should change. Seeing the dental hygienist every six months is one of the most important things that you can do if you want to avoid the problems associated with gum disease. During the appointment, hardened bacteria and minerals, known as tartar, is removed from your teeth and from the gumline. Not only will this help to prevent gum disease but your mouth will feel fresher and healthier too.
Advanced gum disease treatment
It is worth noting that if your gum disease has reached the point where the jawbone is affected, the above treatment, also known as a ‘scale and polish’ is unlikely to be sufficient. To treat this, you may need to have a deep clean or ‘root planing’. This is a much more invasive treatment that involves the cleaning of the tooth root and the underlying bone. While this is the only treatment for this, it is not a guaranteed success and prevention is a far better option.
Diabetics and immune suppressed patients
While we generally recommend six monthly hygienist appointments, this may need to be more frequent if you have diabetes or have other medical issues that weaken your immune system. We recommend that you follow the hygienist’s advice as people affected in this way are more likely to suffer from gum disease.
We can only emphasise again how important it is to look after your gums well. You might be surprised to know that gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss and possibly more so than tooth decay. We probably pay more attention to our teeth because of their appearance when we smile, and because tooth decay often leads to a painful toothache. However gum health is just as important for your overall well being, not only for your oral health but potentially your general health too. Gum disease has been linked with a number of medical conditions over the last few years and it’s dangerous consequences are becoming even more apparent.
If you follow the above advice and make sure to brush and floss your teeth well and see the hygienist for a regular scale and polish, there is a very good chance that you will be able to avoid gum disease. If you would like to make an appointment to see the hygienist at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic, or for any other oral health related matter, please call our Canterbury practice on 01227 463529.