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.
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.
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 loosen. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
All gum diseases are caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria that 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.
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, treatment can become more difficult.
The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
“Have been a patient with Alton Dental since 2007. Fantastic service, always helpful and ready to see you when you have an…”
“Dr Nikul has been very thorough and kind in every appointment. He has made himself very accessible and easy to contact, should…”
“Thanks to Grishma and Bidi today. I hadn't had a checkup for 2 years, and you were welcoming, thorough and gentle!”
“I had an hour-long hygienist visit yesterday with Orla which I was dreading! It turned out to be the great hygienist appointment…”
“I rarely write reviews but feel my recent experience with the Clinic warrants one! Following a dental emergency, I was offered a…”
“Let me start by saying that many years ago, my upper front tooth took a size 11 boot to it, which knocked…”
“After an emergency appointment during the covid pandemic, I was advised that a crown was needed on my tooth. I saw Nik…”
“Alton Dental are a very welcoming practice and all the dentists I have met all have been very welcoming and informative to…”
“Reassuring and understanding. No one likes to go to the dentist but Nikul at Alton Dental makes it the professionals experience it…”
