What is Gum Treatment?

What is gum treatment?

Gum disease is a very common oral condition and affects around three out of four people in the UK over the age of 35 years. The positive news is that far less people suffer from severe gum disease and if good oral hygiene is practised and regular professional dental check-ups take place issues can be discovered early and often reversed.

Bhandal Dental Practice offers a comprehensive range of preventative measures and gum disease treatments to patients across the West Midlands.

When would gum treatment be advisable?

When gum disease sets in it may be fairly unnoticeable because it progresses slowly and painlessly. It’s important to have regular dental appointments so that a suitable gum treatment can be recommended quickly before the more obvious signs surface.

Symptoms of gum disease include red, sore, swollen or bleeding gums that can be painful. Teeth may start to feel more sensitive and become loose. Bad breath is also common with gum disease.

A normal tooth has healthy surface enamel, strong bone level and pink gums. Gum disease causes the deepening of the pocket between the gums and tooth, inflation of the gums and a build up of plaque and calculus on the tooth around the gum line. This build up of plaque is known as gingivitis and causes irritation and inflammation.

The gum diseases to be aware of

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that can easily be treated and is caused by a bacteria or plaque film forming on the surface of teeth. A qualified dentist will quickly find and treat gingivitis, completely reversing its effects.

If left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease where the bacteria penetrates deeper affecting the supporting bones and fibres that keep teeth in place. Periodontitis will need to be treated immediately to prevent irreversible damage and tooth loss.

How to prevent gum disease

The first place to start is the habit of a healthy homecare regime. Daily brushing in the morning and at night and regular flossing will help to prevent the build-up of plaque and remove excess food particles.

Regular flossing and brushing will also make teeth look brighter and flossing is proven to help reduce bleeding gums and inflammation of the gums by almost 40%.

It is advised to visit the dentist for a dental check-up or dental hygiene treatment every six months. A professional hygiene clean will provide the thorough cleaning and removal of plaque and tartar from the gums to prevent bacteria build-up before it progresses to more serious gum disease.

At Bhandal Dental Practice you can book an appointment with our fully qualified dentists and dental hygienists. Gum treatments are available on the NHS or as private healthcare.