SPOTLIGHT ON GUM DISEASE

As well as checking your teeth, dentists regularly check for gum disease – the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, a bad taste in your mouth, bad breath and loose teeth. Gum recession can be another sign but many people have this, it does not necessarily mean you have gum disease.

Dentists regularly record a periodontal disease score based on a brief examination of your gums.  Where established periodontal disease is present, we carry out a full assessment of every tooth.  Periodontal disease is often a silent and symptom free disease and many patients are unaware they have a problem.  It is important that we make our patients aware if a problem exists and discuss how we can manage /treat the problem.

Our hygienists also play a key role in helping you avoid problems such as decay and gum disease.  They are specially trained to look after your teeth.  During your visit they will clean your teeth professionally.  They can also give you advice on how to maintain good oral health including an effective personalised daily cleaning routine and following a healthy diet.

Please ask us if you would like more information or book an appointment.

PREVENTION FOR THE 40+ AGE GROUP

At Beech Lane Dental Care we encourage our patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums by means of effective preventive care.

Root decay is a common cause of tooth loss in patients from around 40 years of age.  Root surfaces exposed due to gum recession are more vulnerable to decay than the enamel surfaces.  Symptoms usually included sensitivity and toothache.  Al too often root decay occurs in areas which may be difficult or impossible to repair.

We recommend using high strength fluoride toothpaste with interdental spiral brushes (Tepe or Piksters).  Please ask your dentist or hygienist which size interdental brush to use and speak to our receptionist to find out about the range of products we stock.

TOP TIPS FOR ADULTS FOR PREVENTING ROOT DECAY:

• Eat regular meals and avoid frequent snacks – this includes dried fruit and fruit juices
• Keep exposure to sugar to less than 4 or 5 occasions per day – it is how often you expose your teeth to sugar that matters.
• Avoid sugary nightcaps!  Exposure to sugary things during the evening or before bed is especially harmful.
• Brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Leave toothpaste coating your teeth – do not rinse.
• Visit the dentist for routine check-ups and x-rays.

We hope that you find this information useful, please ask us if you have any questions.

Gum disease (Periodontal Disease) is the most common disease in humans. It is now the greatest cause of tooth loss in the UK. Its symtpoms can include bleeding gums, bad breath, loose ( mobile ) teeth, gum recession, pain and swelling, bad taste in the mouth.

The cause of gum disease is plaque. Plaque is a build up of bacteria and old food debris that collects on the teeth. It is plaque is soft and you remove this by tooth brushing, flossing and using interdental brushes.

If plaque is left behind, the minerals in the saliva cause it to harden and it forms calculus (tartar). Calculus is hard and it sticks to your teeth and it can’t be removed by tooth brushing, flossing or interdental brushes. The calculus also attracts more plaque and makes it more difficult for you to clean your teeth.

The bacteria in the plaque release toxins and these combined with your bodies natural response to this, is what causes gum disease.

Gum disease not only affects the gums but it actually affects all the supporting structures of the teeth. Eventually as the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed the teeth will get loose and fall out.

Gum disease cannot be cured but it can be stabilised so that no more damage is done to the gums and bone.

Seeing a dentist or hygeinist to have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove the tartar and getting good advice on tooth brushing, flossing and use of interdental brushes to clean between the teeth. Good cleaning technique on a daily basis is the most important thing when it comes to stabilising gum disease.

In this way the majority of cases of gum disease can be stabilised.

At Beech lane our hygeinists Gail and Emma are very experienced and they work alongside Prash and Ritu our dentists in helping our patients have healthy mouths and prevent problems.

If you have any questions about preventing dental problems please do not hesitate to ask any of our clinical team.