Gum Disease (also know as periodontitis) is a major cause of early tooth loss.  It is an inflammatory condition that affects your  tissues surrounding a tooth.  These are the structures that help support the teeth and hold them in place.

    What causes Gum disease?

Plaque bacteria are present within your mouth, and this is why you should brush your teeth to remove these deposits to prevent the bacteria from forming cavities or producing bad breath.  However, what you may not be aware of is how destructive this bacteria is to the health of the gums.

   Without effect cleaning the bacteria are able to colonise and form pockets within the gums. These bacteria produce toxins which lead to periodontal breakdown.

  Therefore the bacteria destroy the supporting structures, including connective tissue and bone.

How Do I know if I have got Gum Disease?

Some of the signs may include:  

• Bleeding gums during tooth brushing
• Sensitive or red inflamed gums which can ruin a smile
• Bad Breath which can cause you embarrassment and problems.
• Loose teeth or teeth which have moved causing gaps between the teeth

These are just some of the signs that may be apparent to you.

However, by visiting your dental professional regularly gum disease can be detected by thorough examination of the gum tissues and using radiographs to detect any changes in bone levels. 

How Do I Keep my smile and stop Gum Disease?

By having regular visits with your Dentist and Dental Hygienist you will have your teeth professionally cleaned and an individualised oral hygiene regime tailored to your needs, to help keep your mouth healthy. Now to take some advice and have a free 20 minute Dental health check to asses how healthly your teeth are please call 01772 717316 

Written by Jade Gray