Gum Disease and Oral Hygiene

It's never nice for somebody to have problems with their teeth, but when the phrase gum disease is uttered people can feel a cold shiver come over them. It might sound awful; and in some cases it can be, with it being the primary cause of tooth loss for UK adults, but the early stages of gum disease can be caught and treated just by simply noticing bad breath.

‘So, what exactly is gum disease?'

Well, gum disease can be split into two differing types that are connected; gingivitis (the aforementioned bad breath) and periodontal disease. If gingivitis is not treated quickly then the more serious periodontal disease can develop. Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. This can develop into tartar and attract further bacteria that can lead to gum disease issues. However, catching gum disease early can be easy when looking for any of the symptoms that develop. These include inflamed gums, red or bleeding gums, bad breath, metallic taste when swallowing, sensitive teeth and emerging pockets around the gum-line. If these are ignored, more serious consequences may occur, such as jawbone and tooth loss.

Although a high percentage of people will suffer from some form of gum disease in their lifetime, there are some who are more susceptible to developing it than others. These groups include smokers, pregnant women, teenage girls, diabetics and stroke sufferers. Although these groups will be more likely to suffer from gum disease, the symptoms can be avoided and fought off by maintaining good oral hygiene.

‘But I already practice good oral hygiene,' you might exclaim, but it's not just about regular brushing. The condition of your oral health relies on a variety of factors including flossing, saliva amounts and your diet. These issues are explained as follows:

• Diet - Gum disease and other dental problems, such as cavities and tartar build-up, are often caused by poor diets. Avoiding fizzy drinks and acidic, sugary foodstuffs in favour of fresh vegetables, yoghurts and milk will decrease the likelihood of bacteria build-up.

• Extra dental care - Brushing isn't enough. It is recommended that use of fluoride mouthwash and dental floss will aid in removing stubborn bacteria and build-up between teeth.

• Saliva - It helps clean teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva flow that will help maintain a healthy oral state.

For more information about gum disease and oral hygiene take a moment to visit dentists Clapham where they can help you to keep your oral health in check, and also, makeover your smile with treatments like teeth whitening, veneers and Invisalign.