Taking care of the gums is essential - healthy gums support the teeth and is crucial for maintaining good overall oral health.
Gum disease describes the swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
‘Periodontitis’ is the dental term used to describe an inflammatory infection that involves progressive loss of bone beneath the teeth. When left untreated, this causes the affected teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. As a result, we strongly recommend you see our dental hygienists regularly - usually every six months, but some patients may need to go more often.
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often, the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning. Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease, and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse, the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out. In fact, more teeth are lost through periodontal disease than through tooth decay.
There are many causes of gum disease, and these can vary from patient to patient. Poor oral hygiene factors are the most common cause of gum disease. If you are inconsistent with brushing and flossing, you are allowing plaque and tartar to build up and multiply in your mouth. When you consume food and drink in high sugars, the acid can begin to break down your tooth’s surface, therefore causing tooth decay and the start of moderate to severe gum disease.
As well as poor hygiene, your lifestyle and diet choices can also contribute. You are much more likely to develop bleeding gums and gum disease if you smoke and drink excessively. Moreover, if you suffer from diabetes - a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high – then you are particularly at risk. This means that it is all the more reason to visit us, as “80% of teeth are saved by regular dental hygiene appointments with good oral health care habits.”
