Helping you keep your gums healthy and protect your teeth
Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth. Gum disease is very common and, if left untreated, can gradually damage the gums and bone that support the teeth.
At Lancaster House Dental Practice, we can assess your gum health, provide treatment for gum disease and help you maintain healthy gums for the future. Where gum disease is more advanced or complex, we can also arrange referral to a Periodontist for specialist assessment and treatment.
Q. What is gum disease?
A. Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria around the teeth and beneath the gum line.
In its early stages, known as gingivitis, the gums may become red, swollen or bleed when brushing. If the condition progresses, it can develop into periodontitis, where the tissues and bone supporting the teeth begin to be affected.
Without appropriate treatment, this can eventually result in teeth becoming loose or being lost.
Q.What are the signs of gum disease?
A. You may notice:
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gaps developing between your teeth
• Teeth becoming loose or changing position
Gum disease does not always cause pain, particularly in its earlier stages, so regular dental examinations are important for detecting problems before they become more advanced.
Q. How is gum disease treated?
A. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
For many patients, treatment involves improving daily cleaning techniques together with professional cleaning to remove plaque and deposits from around and beneath the gums.
Where periodontal disease is more established, deeper cleaning below the gum line (root surface debridement) may be required.
Following treatment, we will reassess your gum health and advise you about ongoing maintenance. Regular hygiene appointments and good cleaning at home are particularly important in keeping periodontal disease under control.
Q. When might I need to see a Periodontist?
A. Some cases of gum disease require more advanced care.
If your periodontal condition is particularly severe or complex, or is not responding as expected to treatment, we may recommend referral to a Periodontist.
A Periodontist is a dentist with advanced training and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the gums and the structures supporting the teeth.
Depending on your individual needs, specialist treatment may include advanced non-surgical periodontal treatment and, where appropriate, surgical or regenerative procedures.
We will discuss this with you before making a referral and explain why we feel specialist care may be beneficial.
Q. Can gum disease be cured?
A. Early gum disease can often be reversed. More advanced periodontal disease cannot always be completely reversed, but with appropriate treatment and good ongoing care it can often be successfully controlled. The key is maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental and hygiene appointments so that your gum health can be monitored.
Worried about your gums?
If you have bleeding or receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or have previously been told that you have gum disease, please speak to our dental team.
We can assess your gum health, discuss the treatment options available and, where appropriate, arrange a referral for specialist periodontal care.
Our aim is to help you maintain healthy gums and keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.
