What is gum disease?
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection
of the tissues supporting the teeth. Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination. There are two main
forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. When this occurs the gums around the teeth become red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.
What is periodontal disease?
Long-standing gingivitis in susceptible individuals can turn into periodontal disease.
There are different types of periodontitis 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 loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
What is the cause of gum disease? All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which 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 gum disease an effective daily brushing and interdental cleaning regime is essential.
What happens if gum disease is not treated? Unfortunately gum disease invariably progresses painlessly so that you may be unaware of any problems until it is quite advanced. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this can make your gums sore. This may lead to gum abscesses. Over the years the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If untreated it may become increasingly difficult to resolve.
How do I know if I have gum disease? The first sign may be blood on your toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. The gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
Online Leaflets Want general information on a condition
or treatment? Visit the British
Dental Health Foundation where they have over
40 online leaflets.
Online Resource Want to find out about dental treatment?
Want to know how to look after your teeth better?
Visit the new BDA
Smile web site.
3D Education Want to learn about dental anatomy, conditions,
treatments and good oral health? Visit the BDA's
cutting edge 3D Educational web site.
31 Farmhouse Way Monkspath Solihull West Midlands B90 4EH
