What is gum disease?
Gum disease is common and the lack of pain that may be associated with it can lead to a delay in dental treatment. Pink and firm gums are healthy but the presence of blood when brushing the teeth, is a possible indication of gum disease that needs to be examined by the dentist. It is essential that regular dental check-ups are attended to ensure the signs of gum disease are caught early.
Symptoms of gum disease
In the early stages of gum disease, the gums may be swollen and red in colour rather than the usual shade of pink. In addition, brushing the teeth or flossing can lead to bleeding of the gums – another indication that all is not well and that treatment for inflammatory gum disease – gingivitis may be required from the dentist.
If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis or periodontal disease which is damage to the bones and tissue of the mouth. If the bones that support the teeth become damaged, it is possible that the teeth will loosen and/or fall out. Periodontitis is characterised by halitosis (bad breath), loose teeth causing problems with eating a nasty taste in the mouth and potentially abscesses of the gums; resulting from the build-up of puss due to inflammation.
Prevention of gum disease
Since childhood, it is well known that sweets will ‘rot’ the teeth. Sugar in food and drink is used by bacteri in the mouth to rapidly grow and as a result bacterial biowaste is produced – it is the bacteria and this sticky environment that is tooth plaque. The bacteria also create an acidic environment that can destroy tooth enamel and lead to the formation of dental cavities or result in gum disease.
It is recommended that a dentist performs the removal of plaque in a dental surgery. Using the correct and high-quality equipment this can be performed with speed and ease. SS Dental group supply top-quality dental equipment to dental practices such as scalers for the use of tartar removal. The scaler is a quick and effective way of removing plaque and tartar.
