Gum Disease Your Teeths Hidden Enemy

Gum disease often goes unnoticed by sufferers because it is generally painless, but it can create havoc with your mouth, causing lasting damage that can eventually result in tooth loss.

It is caused by a thin layer of bacteria called plaque which builds up on the teeth. The bacteria release poisons which irritate your gums which makes them red and swollen. The first symptoms of gum disease include bleeding when you brush your teeth, a bad taste in your mouth, and bad breath.

In its earlier stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis and affects the soft gum tissue. If left to progress, the disease may worsen into its more serious state, periodontitis. This can cause your gums to shrink away from your teeth, and the bone supporting your teeth can be destroyed. This means your teeth will become loose, and may fall out.

Combating Gum Disease

Fortunately gum disease can be controlled with a good oral healthcare routine, with its progress being significantly slowed down or even stopped.

This is where your hygienist and their expertise comes into play. Hygienists are specially trained to look after your teeth and gums, and to help to teach you how best to care for them.

One of the first things they will do is to give your teeth a professional clean, also known as a scale and polish. This will remove any plaque that has formed on your teeth above and below the gum line, as well as hardened plaque which is known as calculus or tartar. Calculus provides a good surface for more plaque to grow on, so it is important to have it all removed.

The hygienist will explain to you how best to care for your teeth and gums. This will include telling you the best way of brushing them, and also the most suitable method for cleaning between your teeth and under the gum line.

If you smoke, they are likely to advise you to give it up research has shown that smokers have more gum disease and lose more teeth than non-smokers.

Other ways in which your hygienist can help you

Your hygienists role is to help you care for your teeth and gums. As well as helping you to avoid or combat gum disease, they will discuss your diet and eating habits with you and recommend preventive measures to help avoid dental decay.

They can also help to protect children's teeth from decay by talking to them about looking after them properly. In some instances they may feel that fluoride gels or solutions would be helpful to offer additional protection. They may also suggest that a child's permanent back teeth are coated with a special solution which seals the biting surface at the top, reducing the risk of decay. These are known as fissure sealants if you would like to know more please ask us.

Fresh Breath

Bad breath is a difficult subject to approach, even with a good friend or family member. There are many reasons for bad breath such as eating spicy foods and garlic, and inadequate oral hygiene.

What can be done? If you are worried and think you may have bad breath, you must ask your dentist or hygienist and they will help you to establish whether or not you have a problem.

Over 90% of the odours causing bad breath come from within the mouth.

Your mouth will be assessed and the level of your problem discussed with you.

The areas that trap bacteria (stagnation areas) will be pointed out to you and then your hygienist will carefully clean around every tooth, removing the bacteria and deposits.

Working together we will show you how to achieve fresh breath and total confidence.