Gum disease

Gingivitis and Periodontitis  are common problems that affect the supporting structures of the teeth(the gum, bone and ligament).  

The main cause of gum disease is the build up of plaque, a naturally occurring film that builds up on your teeth and attracts bacteria. This can cause inflammation of the gum, commonly referred to as Gingivitis. As the disease advances, it will potentially affect the bone, ligament and teeth leading to Periodontitis. If left untreated, Periodontal disease can cause great damage to these structures, and this is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Whilst good oral hygiene and regular dental visits and cleans will greatly reduce the risk, it is important to know some of the symptoms. Some of the thingsto keep a look out for are redness, bleeding and swelling of your gums, loose teeth, persistent bad breath or tastes and tenderness or pain.

Fortunately, if these symptoms are detected at an earlier stage it is generally more simple to treat and prevent. In the early stages, we may give your teeth a thorough clean and instructions on how to best look after your gums and teeth. Our dentists are trained to detect these problems early on and can help prevent or treat gum disease.