If you’re experiencing bleeding, receding, or inflamed gums, you may very well have the early stages of gum disease. But what exactly is it? Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues affecting the population. It’s a term used to describe a category of diseases, most commonly gingivitis and early stage periodontitis. These diseases primarily affect the gums, tissues and structures that support your teeth. If left unchecked, gum disease can lead to the gradual loss of bone and tooth attachment. In time, this may lead to tooth loss and other kinds of permanent damage.
Gum disease is primarily caused by bacterial plaque. These plaque microbes produce a range of toxins, antigens and acids that are introduced into the tissue, where the immune system is forced to deal with them.
The mouth naturally relies on a balance of bacterial flora to keep it healthy. However, without dental care, including brushing and flossing more thoroughly, the balance shifts. The immune system may no longer be able to cope with it as well as it can. This leads to gingivitis, which attacks the gums, or periodontitis, which attacks the deeper structures beneath them.
There are lifestyle habits and health issues that can make certain people more susceptible to gum disease. These risk factors include:
These risk factors can get in the way of your immune response. This, in turn, leads to bacterial plaque causing infection in the oral tissue it’s in contact with. In time, this leads to gingivitis and periodontitis.
The earlier you catch gum disease, the better. Here are some of the symptoms you should be on the lookout for:
If you notice any of these symptoms you should seek treatment as soon as possible.
The successful treatment of gum disease relies on the patient just as much as the dentist. You may be recommended certain changes to your dental hygiene routine, as well as advice on lifestyle and habits that could put you at a higher risk. Whether you are seeing the early signs of gingivitis or you need help for more advanced cases periodontitis, Avenue Dental is here to help. Book a consultation to have one of our dentists take a closer look to highlight your treatment.
With each patient’s case differing, it’s difficult to give an accurate indication of treatment costs without seeing one of our clinicians for a consultation. However, for an indication of our prices, please visit our treatment fees page. We also offer flexible finance options to spread the cost of your treatment or Practice Membership Plans to cover your routine dental care.
We’re dedicated to offering every patient a quality service that they wouldn’t see at other dental practices in Torquay. We have experienced staff to give you peace of mind from the moment you walk through our doors. Your treatment will be carried out by a clinician that knows how to make you feel at ease, whilst also explaining what they’re doing for full transparency.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment…
