Gum Disease

Gum Disease Specialists in London

Our gums are perhaps one part of the body whose importance is not really up for discussion. Not many people are in the know about the gum except that it acts as a support for the teeth. Our gums can be affected in one way or another, giving rise to gum disease.

The Harley Street Dentist is a dental clinic of sterling reputation. Here at our clinic at Harley Street, London, we have a team of well-experienced and qualified dentists, always ready to attend to any dental issue you might have. We do not only handle teeth-related problems, but we are also available to attend to gum disease and other problems.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease refers to the infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, leading to swelling and soreness of these tissues. Gum diseases are of two types:

  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontal disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a dental condition whereby the gums around the teeth become swollen and red. They become sensitive as well, and can also bleed when you brush them. In simpler terms, gingivitis simply means gum inflammation.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a common and severe gum disease that affects the gums surrounding the teeth. It occurs when gingivitis goes untreated for an extended period. Periodontal diseases are of different types; however, they all affect the gums surrounding the teeth. In severe cases of this disease, the bone anchoring the teeth is lost, making the teeth loose. This ultimately means that the teeth can fall off.

Finding out if I have Gum Disease

The foremost sign of gum disease is usually the presence of blood. When you notice blood when you spit out during brushing, then there is the possibility of gum disease. Also, bleeding from the gums when you eat, unpleasant smell from the mouth, and a bad taste in the mouth can be signs that you have gum disease.

Who is at Risk of having Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a significant cause of tooth loss in adults. This means that everyone is at risk of gum disease. However, gum disease can be delayed for as long as possible. This means that although the risk of gum disease is there, it might not set in as early as possible, letting you keep your teeth for longer periods.

Causes of Gum Disease

One of the major causes of gum disease is plaque. A plaque is a film of bacteria that covers the teeth and the gums. Although some of these bacteria can be harmless, a few of them have been known to contribute to the onset of gum disease. To effectively get rid of this plaque, one needs to be extra careful when brushing and flossing — use interdental brushes to get between spaces that regular brushes would not be able to. This helps to prevent gum disease and even treat them in some cases.

For help on how to effectively clean your mouth, you can visit our clinic at Harley Street, London. Our efficient dentists will help you by educating you on ways to clean your mouth and spaces out of reach.

Does Smoking put My Teeth and Gums at Risk?

We all know that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer and bad breath. However, smoking can also aggravate gum disease. This is because smokers are more prone to gum disease as a result of the excess production of bacterial plaque. With the lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, the gums are affected. Smokers have more dental plaque than non-smokers, and their gums do not heal as quickly as non-smokers. The higher rate of dental plaque in smokers causes gum disease to set in more easily.

What if My Gum Disease is Not Treated?

Failure to treat gum diseases at early stages leads to complications where symptoms such as extreme pain are experienced. In worse cases, gum abscess sets in, and pus is often released from around the teeth. In severe cases, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost, leading to tooth loss.

What to do if I Suspect A Gum Disease Infection

If you suspect that you might have gum disease, the best thing to do would be to visit us at Harley Street, London, for proper tests and verification. This will enable us to help you find the appropriate treatment for you.

Treatment Options

Treatment for gum disease begins with the complete removal of dental plaque and tartar on teeth. This process can take several sessions with the dentist, but afterward, you will be glad you did. You will also be shown how to remove plaque from your teeth daily by brushing. With good oral hygiene and interdental brushing, gum disease can be prevented from getting worse and can be brought under control.

Root planing is another procedure that effectively removes bacteria. Root planing involves treating the roots of teeth to remove bacteria. It usually requires anesthesia before the procedure is carried out.

Periodontal Disease — Can it Reoccur?

Periodontal disease has no cure; however, with good oral hygiene, the process of bone loss can be slowed down or prevented completely. Regular check-ups by a dentist can also go a long way to prevent the severity of the periodontal disease.

Is there any link between Gum Disease and Other Health Conditions?

Extensive research has established a link between gum disease and general health conditions like dementia, stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, it is a proven fact that a healthy mouth translates to a healthier lifestyle.

The Harley Street dental clinic is situated at Harley Street, London. You can step into our clinic for tests on all dental conditions or send an email to us at [email protected]. We are equally accessible through telephone. Call us today on 02071830903. We offer confidential services to all our clients.

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