To learn more about gum disease, click play and watch the video below...
Gum disease is completely treatable if diagnosed early enough.
Over half the population has gum disease, often without knowing it.
Gum disease is linked to a number of health conditions including diabetes.
Gum disease can lead to bad breath, loose teeth and painful gums if left untreated.
Gum Disease / Periodontal Disease
It’s important to know that gum disease despite it being one of the most wide-spread diseases across the world, it is preventable and can be easily treated when it is found early enough. At Mark Tangri Dental Excellence we are a leading authority on gum disease and have helped saved thousands of teeth for patients over the years.
Periodontal disease, another name for gum disease is caused by bacteria that collects at the gum line as dental plaque. The plaque needs to be removed by brushing and cleaning between the teeth twice a day. If not properly cleaned, the gum startsto come away from the tooth, forming pockets and the plaque grows down below the gum line. Over time, the bone that supports the teeth is destroyed, the gums shrink and eventually the teeth become wobbly and fall out. That’s the science!
Questions about Gum Disease with Tilemachos.
Diabetes and Gum Disease with Tilemachos
Who can get Gum Disease?
Most people can get mild gum disease but some people are susceptible to more aggressive forms. Severe gum disease, especially if you have it at a young age, can run in families. There are a few factors that put people at higher risk of getting severe gum disease.
These include:
- Diabetes (especially if poorly controlled)
- Smoking (possibly including e-cigarettes)
- Stress
- A poor diet lacking in vitamins and minerals
- Obesity
- Certain medications
Signs and symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is usually pain-free (sometimes called ‘the silent disease’) and so you may be unaware of it until your dentist or hygienist checks for it.
Here are some ‘Red Flags’. – Symptoms you may notice that should raise concerns:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or even whilst eating
- Red, swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Spaces appearing between teeth
- Loose teeth or teeth moving position in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks
“Success of gum disease treatment depends on how well you clean your teeth and how your gums respond. Cleaning thoroughly twice a day and regular dental visits are good habits to adopt for life.”
Gum Disease - Associated Medical Conditions
The scientific literature shows a strong relationship between gum disease and various medical conditions.
Gum disease is a disease of inflammation, an overreaction of the gums to the bugs and bacteria in your mouth. We can monitor the “markers” of this inflammation, the chemicals our bodies produce.
We know that the same markers are raised in people with diabetes, at risk of strokes or heart attacks.
Due to the symbiotic nature of our bodies, we would urge you, or anyone you know, whom may have diabetes, has had a stroke or has heart disease to have an assessment of their gum health, it may just save your life!
For more information or if you are worried about Gum Disease please contact us here.
The Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment
Your gums will be healthier
Teeth becoming less wobbly
Greater confidence of a fresher mouth
Less discomfort when you eat
Gums not being sore or bleeding when you brush
Ultimately, you will keep your teeth for longer
Gum Disease Treatment - Frequently Asked Questions
Ask your dentist to explain this, in particular in relation to your own BPE score. Your BPE score is a measure of your gum health and should be a standard part of your routine dental examination.
Please make sure you tell your dentist about any problems with your health and about any tablets or medicines you are taking. Some medical conditions may change the way your dentist/hygienist manages your disease and some medication may change the appearance of your gums.
Treatment aims to reduce bacteria around your teeth and prevent the disease from getting worse. Generally though, treatment cannot replace the support your teeth have already lost.
- You will be taught the best methods of cleaning your teeth and gums to remove dental plaque. Treatment will only work if you clean your teeth properly, twice a day, to a high standard.
- You need to clean daily between your teeth with interdental brushes – or floss if the gaps between teeth are too tight for brushes.
- You should use a small headed toothbrush or a good quality power brush – your dentist can advise you.
- The tartar above the gum-line can be removed by your dentist/hygienist.
- Any bacteria below the gum line can be removed by your dentist/hygienist deep cleaning your teeth. You can ask for an injection to make your gums and teeth numb if you prefer.
- Mouthwashes may help with very mild gum disease but may mask more serious gum disease.
- Your gums are likely to bleed more to start with – don’t worry and keep cleaning as this is normal and will improve.
- As they become healthier your gums may shrink. Spaces may appear between the teeth and they may appear longer.
- As gums shrink, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet things. Usually this gets better in a few weeks, but you might need to use a special sensitivity toothpaste or have other treatment to help with this.
Removal (extraction) of teeth may be an acceptable alternative treatment if your disease is severe.
- You may wish to have replacements for any lost teeth by means of a denture, bridge or an implant. Implants are only recommended if the gum disease is no longer present.
- People find it easier and more enjoyable to eat with natural teeth rather than replacements.
- Extractions would reduce the time spent treating your gums. An extraction would remove a painful tooth quickly.
- If your front teeth have a poor appearance, a denture or a bridge may look better.
If you smoke tobacco you should do your best to give up, there are plenty of organisations that can help. Smokers who continue to smoke:
- Are more likely to get gum disease.
- May find their gum disease gets worse quite quickly and are less likely to get better after treatment.
- Are more likely to have a recurrence of gum disease following treatment.
Tooth decay cannot occur if you;
- Prevent High Sugar intake.
- Brushing and flossing teeth properly prevents bacteria causing tooth decay.
- Regular teeth cleaning and excellent oral hygiene doesn’t give bacteria time to cause decay.
Gum Disease Related Articles
How to identify gum disease
Gum Disease and Smoking – what we know
Effective prevention of Periodontal diseases
Diabetes and Gum Disease
Pregnancy and gum disease
