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Private Treatments

Periodontal Treatment » Gum Disease Treatments

• Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination.
  
  

  What is gum disease?

  Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.

  What is gingivitis?

  Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.

  What is periodontal disease?

  Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

  What is the cause of gum disease?

  All gum (periodontal) diseases are caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria, which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing. Smoking and certain illnesses such as diabetes make gum disease worse by speeding up the process, which can lead to tooth loss. Moreover, smoking reduces gum bleeding often masking the gum problem that is there.

  What happens if gum disease is not treated?

  Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do not notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treating it can become more difficult.

  How do I know if I have gum disease?

  The first sign may be blood on the toothbrush or when you spit out after cleaning your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant. Sometimes, however, you may have no symptoms at all and the disease can silently cause a lot of permanent damage to the support of the teeth before you even notice you have a problem. That is why it is so important to have regular gum examinations with a dentist to ensure good gum health and to have treatment at the earliest opportunity should the need arise. The periodontist at the Roberts-Harry Clinic is a specialist in all gum conditions and therefore has a wealth of experience in this field. If you are concerned you have a problem with your gums you can contact us for an appointment at the Roberts-Harry Clinic.

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