Gum disease

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth when it comes to oral hygiene. If you don’t take good care of your smile, plaque build up can lead to gum disease, which comes with a whole host of health issues. In fact, it is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissues that weakens the tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. This leaves your teeth at greater risk of sensitivity, decay, and even loss. Some symptoms of gum disease include:

Red and swollen gums
Gums that bleed after tooth brushing
Bad breath that won’t go away
A persistent bad taste in your mouth
Receding gum lines
Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
Loose or shifting teeth

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is another name for gum inflammation, and it is usually the precursor to full-blown gum disease (periodontitis). Many people get gingivitis at some point in their lives, but with treatment, it doesn’t need to develop into gum disease.

In the early stages, gingivitis can cause gum irritation and bleeding, but your teeth should still be firmly rooted in place. There isn’t any irreversible tissue or bone damage at this stage. If you have gingivitis, you may be able to reverse it by practising proper oral hygiene and going to regular dental cleanings.

When gum issues progress into periodontitis, the gum and bone pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that bacteria thrive in. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause permanent tooth loss.

Treatment of gum disease

At Confident Orthodontics we have a range of treatments for gum disease. If caught early, you may be able to turn things around through simple changes to your diet and oral care routine, which we can help you with.

If you have progressed into periodontitis, our dental hygienist can give you her best recommendations after assessing your smile in person.