Gum Disease

Most people, at some point in their life, will experience some form of gum disease, whether mild or more advanced. In fact it is estimated that half of all adults in the UK will experience gum disease to some degree.

There are many reasons and risk factors for this:

When we eat or drink plaque builds up around the teeth. Plaque contains bacteria which when not removed irritate your gums. These bacteria are harmful to your gums and also can cause or aggravate heart disease.

After a period of time plaque will cause your gums to bleed and become red and inflamed and in some cases sore and tender, although this is not always the case. Sometimes you may notice a bad taste in your mouth or even experience bad breath. In more advanced cases you may notice receding of the gums and have loose teeth. If you get to this stage you need treatment as soon as possible, or else you risk losing all your teeth. You have then moved on from gum disease, something that is easily treatable, to having periodontal disease, where the effects are irreversible and the disease difficult to stabilise. Periodontitis affects the tissues that support the teeth and hold them in place meaning the teeth will become loose and fall out.

At Premier Smile, the prevention of gum disease is one of our main priorities. However, in the event of periodontal disease we are specialised in diagnosing and treating periodontitis and gum disease.

Gum disease isn’t always avoidable. Sometimes no matter how much care and attention you show your teeth and gums you can still have gum disease, but proper brushing and flossing at home can make all the difference. Regular examination appointments with your dentist and hygienist will ensure your mouth stays healthy and any signs of gum disease can be treated quickly to avoid the need for treatment.