Gum disease is the common cause of tooth loss in adult patients.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is when the gums and bone supporting teeth deteriorate due to bacteria that get into the gums from plaque and tartar.
Gum Disease and Smoking
Smoking predisposes you to gum disease so it is advisable not to smoke.
Detection of Gum Disease
Gum problems are mostly painless, and patients are often not aware that gum disease is present. The main causes of gum disease are plaque and tartar deposits around the teeth and gums, poor oral hygiene and smoking.
As part of oral health screening, the dentist should assess each patient for:-
- Signs/severity of any gum disease
- Levels of plaque/tartar present
- Amounts of gum inflammation
X-rays and special gum measurements accurately show how serious the problem is.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum treatment involves:-
- Cleaning /scaling of tooth and root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar
- Advice on correct oral hygiene e.g. the use of dental floss and special micro brushes, mouthwashes/gels and correct tooth brushing techniques.
- Reassessment and monitoring of progress in advanced cases
- Stop Smoking.
Gum Specialist - the hygienist
After careful assessment by the dentist, the hygienist carries out all the treatment necessary to ensure a healthy mouth. Treatment sessions with the hygienist are half hour or one hour. The needs of each patient vary from one visit of thorough scaling and polishing of teeth, to multiple visits requiring special cleaning under local anaesthetic. Hygienists are qualified to give local anaesthetics, and can also carry out other types of treatment such as fissure sealants on children.
Laser Gum Treatment
Using a state-of-the-art dental laser machine, Cosmetic Dentists can recontour gums for a more attractive smile. Lasers can also correct difficult gum problems in advanced cases without the need for surgery!
Gum Surgery
For resistant gum pockets and more advanced gum disease, surgical gum treatment may be necessary to improve the health of your mouth. You will be advised if this is necessary. Failure to have this treatment where necessary often results in teeth becoming looser, and eventual loss.
Summary
It is very important for a comprehensive programme of oral hygiene and gum care to ensure that teeth are kept longer (ideally for life). As such, the need for future treatment will be minimal.
Perfect Smile Spa is one of the leading Gum Disease treatment clinics in London and Essex. If you would like further information on gum treatment please contact us on 01708 442114 or email care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk