Gum disease is very common, but easily prevented.
If you have gum disease your gums will become swollen, red and may bleed very easily, bad breath is also associated with gum disease.
In its early stages gum disease is called gingivitis, the disease isolated to just the gum which can easily be reversed with regular visits to your hygienist and a good oral health regime at home.
In severe cases of gum disease, periodontitis can develop. It affects the tissues that support the teeth and hold them in place. If periodontitis is not treated, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque.
Plaque is the sticky white substance that you remove when cleaning your teeth. Some of the bacteria in plaque can be very harmful and if it is not removed effectively it will stagnate and irritate your gums, this leads to inflammation (swelling of the gums etc)
How to prevent gum disease?
- Brushing
- Interdental cleaning (see next weeks blog)
- Regular visits to the hygienist
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW WITH ONE OF OUR DENTAL HYGIENISTS TO HELP PREVENT GUM DISEASE
SAMANTHA RODEN
DENTAL HYGIENIST
LISA BRIGHT
DENTAL HYGIENIST
