What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum or periodontal disease occurs if plaque is allowed to build up on your teeth. Sometimes it can go unnoticed until it is quite advanced, by which time the gums can become red and swollen and a space (pocket) forms between the gum and the teeth. These pockets then fill with plaque and the fibres that hold the teeth in place are attacked by bacteria and eventually, the tooth is lost. Regular brushing and flossing can help, as well as visiting a dental hygienist and using mouthwash to help combat the bacteria that forms in and around the teeth.

Anything that traps plaque must be dealt with, such as calculus and poor fillings. Professional cleaning and other treatments may be necessary to effectively control these problems and our gum disease treatment in Belgravia, Chelsea and Victoria, from our fully trained hygienists can give you advice on the correct home care for your teeth and gums and to help prevent further problems.

How to Detect & Treat Gum Disease in Victoria

There are several warning signs that you may have gum disease and we offer a first class service and the knowledge and expertise from our expert dental team in Chelsea. They will look to identify:

  • Bleeding Gums
  • Swelling
  • Firmness of the Gums
  • Deep pockets between the gum and the tooth
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • Teeth Alignment
  • Receding Gums

Our gum disease treatments in Victoria can also sometimes include an x-ray scan showing the underlying bone and its current status, as well as measurement of the gums to see how deep existing pockets are. Generally, healthy pockets are considered to be around 1-3mm deep. Anything deeper than that could be cause for concern.

Understanding Periodontitis

As part of our full treatment service and gum disease treatment options in the Belgravia area of London, our specialists will also check for both types of gum disease, including Gingivitis and Periodontitis. This is a severe side effect of having gum disease and it affects the tissue that keeps the tooth in place. It can be common with people who have not kept gum problems in check and it usually results in the loss of teeth and eventually required treatment, such as dental implants or other rehabilitation treatments.

When Periodontitis occurs, inflammation is common and it causes gums to pull away from the tooth and this creates pockets of space, which results in infection. This eventually destroys the structure of the teeth and breaks down the bone from underneath. Our advanced periodontal disease treatment in Belgravia will help combat these serious effects. However, once teeth are lost due to cavities or gum disease, dentures can be used to maintain the natural look of the mouth and prevent bone loss and facial sagging. Our denture FAQs answer many questions regarding how dentures can help with tooth loss and what the next step would be.

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy in Victoria & Chelsea

It can be difficult to avoid eating sugary foods and drinks that can damage and stain teeth but with proper brushing and daily interdental care for example flossing alongside regular dental check-ups, you can give yourself the best chance to maintain a happy, healthy mouth. There are some home remedies you can try which help aid in preventing gum disease. These include eating more C-rich foods such as oranges, grapes and strawberries. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps connective tissue and bone growth.

Of course, in most cases for smokers the best treatment is to give up smoking altogether, as it’s been found that this is one of the most significant causes of gum disease.

If you are unsure whether you have gum disease or even if you just want a check up, call us today. Alternatively, take a look at some useful resources below for more information.

Online Leaflets

www.dentalhealth.org.uk

For general information on a condition and treatment? Visit the British Dental Health Foundation . The BDHF is an independent charity dedicated to raising public awareness about the benefits of improving oral health.

Oral B Health

For more information visit www.oralb.co.uk