Gum Hygiene

Keeping your gums healthy and disease free is essential to your overall general health and the longevity of your teeth.

Many patients fail to realise that bleeding gums – however slight – are the first warning sign of gum disease. In fact, research has shown that one in three adults have never even flossed their teeth* – a cleaning routine that is essential to good gum health.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease occurs in two stages; gingivitis and periodontitis. It is caused by the build-up of plaque on the gum line, leading to an increased presence of bacteria in the mouth. It is also more prevalent in people who smoke, chew tobacco or suffer from certain diseases such as diabetes.

Gingivitis causes bleeding, inflammation and redness of the gums. It can be managed at home through the use of dentist-recommended products and an enhanced cleaning routine. However, if you find no change or worsening symptoms after a few weeks, please book an appointment with your Northway Dental Practice professional.

Leaving gingivitis untreated can also lead to the gums receding back.

Periodontitis is the second and more severe form of gum disease – it can ultimately result in the loosening of your teeth, deterioration of the jaw bone and tooth loss.

How to treat gum disease

Avoiding risk factors such as smoking is the first step towards avoiding gum disease as well as keeping up a good oral care routine.

When you visit our practice, we will thoroughly clean your teeth and gum line to remove harmful bacteria. Where you are already experiencing symptoms of an infection such as an abscess, we can prescribe antibiotics.

If gum disease has advanced we can offer more further treatment or refer you for specialist intervention.

Have you noticed signs of gum disease? Would you like some advice on how to care for your gums? Our team is always happy to help, so please click here or call 0151 526 2701 to book your appointment now.

*Please see http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/facts-figures for statistics.