25 Nov

Describing gum disease in London

Gum disease or gingivitis, is a major problem in London that affects more than 50% of adults with natural teeth At first, most people will be unaware of a problem, but if allowed to develop into periodontitis, (where the gum forms a pocket around the tooth), plaque can set in, leading to tartar, cavities and decay, and in the long run, tooth loss. Early symptoms of the problem start with swollen gums and bleeding teeth after brushing. A more serious sign of gum disease are wobbly teeth and roots being exposed. Causes are many-fold. The build up of plaque can be down to poor oral hygiene and/or bad diet. Diabetes, low immune systems and hormonal changes, such as in pregnancy, can lead to gum disease, as can smoking. Gum disease is not exactly treatable, but it can be halted. Treatment will depend upon the severity of the problem. It will start with the removal of plaque and tartar from around the teeth and gums by scaling and cleaning. The dentist may give advice on mouthwashes, brushes and toothpastes to use. But if the disease is a lot more advanced, deep scaling of the pockets and post treatment check-ups are required to combat the problem. It is why regular visits to the dentist are imperative to spotting any early signs of the disease.