Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in the UK with up to 20% of the population being susceptible to the bad bacteria in their mouths because of their weaker immune systems.

The World Health Organisation has listed Gum disease as one of the most common diseases in the world. When the bacteria reaches a level where is starts to cause damage it can eventually lead to the breaking down of the bone and soft tissues which support the teeth causing eventual tooth loss. In fact, most people will have gum disease at some point in their lives, however, if caught early it is easily treated, sometimes purely by an improvement in the oral health care routine.

Screening of gum disease is a routine part of a dental assessment

Risk Factors

There are a number of factors which increase a person’s chances of getting gum disease. Amongst them are smoking, which can cause a dry mouth resulting in insufficient saliva to wash away the bacteria. Stress and being a diabetic as well can be contributing factors.

There are two types of gum disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is another name for gum disease and occurs when the gums become sore or swollen and infected. When this happens they will also possibly bleed, especially when the teeth are cleaned. Bad breath (halitosis) is also another symptom of this problem. Once these symptoms are noticed, a dentist will need to be seen for it to be treated effectively.

Periodontits

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, when the bacteria attack the bone structure holding the teeth in place. When this occurs it needs to be treated immediately to prevent tooth loss. This treatment is usually in the form of deep root cleaning, where, similar to root planning, the tooth is cleaned all the way down to its root. A local anaesthetic will be given whilst this procedure is carried out.