When many people think about visiting the dentist, it is usually through diligence about their teeth rather than general oral health. The most frequently raised concerns are ‘do I need a filling?’ and ‘they are starting to look a bit yellow’. However, there is another structure in the mouth that plays a crucial role in the health of your teeth, one that is often overlooked: the gums. Most of us will have a degree of gum disease at some point in our lives – and it is the biggest cause of tooth loss.
What are the signs of gum disease?
If you notice blood on your toothbrush or in the rinsing water after you have cleaned your teeth, you may have gum disease. Sometimes, the gums bleed when you are chewing. Bad breath may also be a sign of gum disease. However, gum disease does not often cause pain so it can be easy to put off doing anything about it. At London specialist dental practice 76 Harley Street, our hygienists routinely demonstrate to patients the most effective way of keeping teeth clean and plaque-free, giving the gums the best opportunity to thrive.
Will gum disease get better without treatment?
Milder cases of gum disease manifest themselves as inflammation of the gum, also known as ‘gingivitis’. Left untreated, and this inflammation can worsen and develop into periodontal disease where the tissues supporting the teeth are affected; in some cases, the disease attacks the bone in which the teeth are anchored, cause the teeth to become loose and, eventually, fall out. In other cases, the bacteria in the plaque may make the gums sore, leading to painful gum abscesses. At our specialist dental practice, we bring together a team of experts – including a periodontist and hygienists – so that you can receive specialist care in one place in central London, whatever level of treatment your gums require.
