London cosmetic dentistry

Posts Tagged ‘bleeding gums’

London dentists offer effective remedies for bleeding gums

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

The greatest cause of tooth loss in Britain is not, in fact, tooth decay itself. Gum disease leaves your teeth at far greater risk and, with around seventy five per cent of Britons older than thirty five suffering from gum disease of some kind, it is something which needs to be taken very seriously indeed. If you begin to experience bleeding from your gums you ought to make an appointment with your London dentist as soon as you can.

The most common form of gum disease is called gingivitis and is usually indicated by bleeding of the gums. This may occur when you are brushing your teeth or flossing and you might find that eating and drinking have become painful. The good news is that gingivitis can usually be avoided by following a normal dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice a day and keeping a schedule of six month visits to your dentist.

If bleeding gums and gingivitis are left untreated worse may follow. The advanced form of gingivitis is called periodontitis and is extremely painful. If contracted, periodontitis leads to the bones which hold your teeth in place becoming inflamed. This can eventually lead to tooth loss but it needn’t get to this stage if you are sure to inform your dentist of any problems you have with bleeding gums.

Your London dentist might recommend that you need to improve your home oral hygiene routine or advise that you use a special mouthwash suited for gums. In some cases you might be prescribed antibiotics. This can only happen if you keep your dentist up to date with what is happening in your mouth and report bleeding gums quickly.

Have your bleeding gums examined by London dentist

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

Bleeding gums can occur for a number of reasons but for whatever reason it occurs it is never a pleasant experience and can even be quite frightening. The reasons for bleeding gums can range from the relatively innocuous to the very serious. The rule of thumb is that if your gums are bleeding you make an appointment with your London dentist to check it out.

The most common reason for bleeding gums and the most likely is thankfully the most harmless. It occurs when you have not been cleaning your teeth effectively and plaque and bacteria build up around their base. Then if you begin to make an extra effort to clean the teeth or begin to floss, the gums are a little sensitive and may bleed slightly. This will usually stop after day or so as they become used to the new cleaning regime. However, it is still worth seeing your dentist to be on the safe side.

Another reason for bleeding gums is the result of gum disease. This is when the gums develop an infection due to insufficient cleaning. Gum disease affects nearly three quarters of all adults at some stage in their life and is very easily treated if caught in time.

The most serious cause of bleeding gums is as the result of oral cancer, which is treatable at the early stage but will be fatal if not treated. It is for this reason that it is so important to have your bleeding gums seen to in case it is the sign of a serious illness. In most cases it will not be the result of oral cancer but you can never be too careful when it comes to the health of your teeth.

Bleeding gums examined by Central London dentist

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Looking after the health of your teeth and gums is very important. This is true, not only because this will keep your teeth and gums looking healthy but also because a healthy mouth is a good indicator of your overall health and any oral problems could be the result or even cause of wider health problems.

There are many mild and series dental problems that can affect the teeth and gums. Dental decay begins with small dental cavities in the surface enamel. Although easily treated, like with all dental problems, if left without attention it can quickly become something more serious. For instance, if the cavities penetrate to the centre of the tooth, they can cause an infection that will attack the dental nerve. This is not only pretty painful but can also result in the loss of the tooth and spread of the infection to others in the mouth.

It is a similar story with the gums. Constantly under attack from plaque and bacteria, it is not uncommon for the gums to become irritated and suffer from mild infections. Again, if the problem is addressed it can be easily cleared up but if left can lead to more serious concerns. This includes periodontitis, the most serious form of gum disease, characterised by bleeding gums and swollen tissue. This may well need treatment with antibiotics and even some tissue removal.

Bleeding gums can also be the sign of more serious concerns in the oral cavity including oral cancer so it is always wise to visit your Central London dentist if you notice that your gums are bleeding.

London dentist cures gum disease

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

One of the most common dental concerns is gum disease, which is also known in its less serious form as gingivitis and more seriously as periodontitis. Most people will probably suffer from mild gingivitis at some point and not even realise it. Effective brushing and cleaning will help to beat the infection and prevent it from returning. For patients who have poor standards of oral hygiene and do not keep up regular six-month appointments with the dentist, gum disease can become very serious. Severe cases of periodontitis involve bleeding gums, tooth loss and can even result in the infection spreading to other parts of the body, including the heart.

Treatment for gum disease can range from increased cleaning, to antibiotics and in serious cases even tissue removal (also known as a gingivectomy). But of course the best treatment is prevention. By taking a few minutes each day to brush thoroughly and floss you will be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from infection. Flossing is particularly useful for fighting gum infection as it cleans below the gum line where it is hard to clean with a brush.

If you are concerned about possible gum disease or if you have unexplained bleeding gums, make an appointment to see a London dentist who will be able to conduct an examination as part of a check up. The dentist will also be able to offer the best advice about effective cleaning methods. Healthy gums mean healthy teeth as the old adage goes, but they can also be indicative of your health in general so it really is worthwhile to keep them on good condition.

Regular check ups from Central London dentist help beat oral cancer

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Oral cancer can be fatal if not caught at a sufficiently early stage. If detected early enough, oral cancer patients stand a greater than 80 per cent chance of survival. Therefore it is very important that you have any suspicious sores examined as soon as possible. Another key defence against oral cancer is to keep up regular six-month dental appointments. Dentists are trained to spot the signs of oral cancer and are also able to perform swab biopsies on any suspicious areas as part of a check up.

Oral cancer is considered to be any cancer that affects any part of the mouth including the lips, tongue and throat. It usually appears as sores on the lining of the mouth or throat, not unlike mouth ulcers, but that do not disappear naturally after a period of two weeks.

Certain groups are at a higher risk than others with men being twice as likely to suffer from the condition as women. Patients who smoke excessively are a massive 600 times more likely to develop oral cancer as non-smokers. Patients who drink heavily are also at a greater risk of the condition. However, it is important to remember that oral cancer can affect anybody at any time regardless of lifestyle, so you can never be complacent.

The sores are usually a deep red or white colour and are sensitive to touch and especially hot and cold food. They are usually very painful and make it difficult to eat, drink or even speak. Oral cancer may also manifest itself in the unexplained bleeding of the gums or weight loss.

There are more symptoms than described here so it is always wise to visit a dentist if you are unsure about any activity in your mouth. Any unexplained soreness or patches in the mouth can easily be examined by a dentist and with cancer it is always better to be safe than sorry. Make an appointment every six-months with a Central London dentist and protect yourself from oral cancer.

Central London Dentist breaks the link between bleeding gums and heart disease

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

Bleeding gums caused by poor dental hygiene can end up causing heart disease according to health professionals.

People who don’t brush their teeth correctly, or who don’t floss regularly enough, often suffer from bleeding gums. It is thought that this might provide an entry to the bloodstream for the hundreds of millions of bacteria that call your mouth their home. This could result in an increased chance of heart disease and even a heart attack.

The mouth is one of the dirtiest places in the human body when it comes to bacteria. Allowing the bacteria into your blood stream from the mouth can be very dangerous. Once in the blood it sticks to the platelets, the cells responsible for coagulating to heal cuts and wounds. Once bacteria have attached themselves to the platelets it can cause blood vessels to become blocked which is obviously bad for the heart.

The only treatment for this kind of bacterial blockage is an aggressive course of antibiotics. But as bacteria become ever more resistant to modern antibiotic medicines this form of treatment is becoming less and less effective.

The one sure-fire way of beating this form of heart disease is prevention. Maintaining a healthy standard of oral hygiene can limit the number of dangerous bacteria in the mouth and ensure that they have no pathway into the bloodstream. Dentists in Central London recommend brushing teeth at least twice a day to help prevent the build up of plaque, the filmy substance around the teeth that is the breeding ground for bacteria. Flossing at least once a day can also help to destroy plaque, and kill bacteria.

Inadequate brushing or flossing can lead to cavities or gum disease (gingivitis) which can cause weakened gums to bleed and recede. Shutting this door once and for all could save your life and help you have a healthy heart, and for a few extra minutes a day, that really can’t be bad.

Bleeding Gums? Contact a London Based Dentist

Friday, April 10th, 2009

Gum disease is very common in London. It is usually caused by bacteria, plaque, and inflammatory proteins. However, bleeding gums can be initiated by oral bacteria and further influenced by systemic diseases. Diabetes, steroid use, and numerous lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and stress, have been known to negatively influence gum bleeding. Dietary habits have also been known to influence gum disease and its associated bleeding. Numerous types of treatments are now available for bleeding gums. Your London dentist and dental hygienist will work together to help you to prevent this problem, by showing you proper brushing and flossing techniques and home care. If your gums are already bleeding, then your dentist and/or hygienist will treat this problem, depending upon the extent of the gum bleeding. You will receive a thorough gum cleaning and tooth scraping. If a more serious problem exists, you may be referred to a gum specialist and also your primary care physician. Antibiotic therapy, root surface planning and/or gum surgery may be required, or an underlying disease condition may be present that can be controlled by your doctor. This may resolve the bleeding gum problem. Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, so make sure that you visit your London dentist on a regular basis to have your gums checked for any signs or symptoms of disease.

Gingivitis in City of London: Facts You Need to Know

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

Considered to be the mildest form of periodontal or gum disease, gingivitis results to swollen or inflamed gums. Due to its mildness, it is possible people do not realize that they have it until it becomes worse. For this reason, regular check ups with your City of London dentist is advisable to protect yourself from gingivitis.

Among the symptoms of gingivitis that you should watch out for are:

Bleeding gums
• Swollen and soft gums
Bad breath
• Change in gum color from pink to red

If you are wondering how gingivitis develops, you should not be surprised to know that it is linked to plaque buildup. This bacteria breeding ground can actually harden into calculus or tartar, making it difficult to remove. With the tartar irritating the gingival, bleeding and swelling results.

Ignoring the symptoms of gingivitis could result to worsening of the gum disease leading to periodontitis. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis could result to destruction of the gum tissue and even tooth loss. If you do not want this to happen, then it is vital that you stop gingivitis dead on its track.

In order to avoid developing gingivitis, it is important that you maintain good oral hygiene. On the other hand, treatment for this gum disease includes:

• Complete dental cleaning
• Mouth rinse (antiseptic)
Flossing
Brushing
• Fixing fillings and dental restorations

Although your City of London dentist will clean away the tartar and plaque build up in the gum line, it is still your responsibility to ensure proper oral care.

Having Bleeding Gums Treated in the City of London

Saturday, March 7th, 2009

As you may be aware, bleeding gums can lead to numerous health problems, as well as the eventual loss of your teeth. Fortunately, your dentist can help you prevent gum bleeding, as well as provide treatment as soon as it begins to develop. As may be expected, following proper oral hygiene methods will also help prevent bleeding gums from getting further out of control.

When you have routine dental exams in the City of London, your dentist will also examine your gums. If there are signs of redness, swelling, or bleeding, your dentist may want to probe for infection pockets. From there, you may need to undergo further treatment for these infections. This may include taking antibiotics, as well as undergoing procedures that will remove infected materials from the tooth, bone, and deep gum areas.

Chances are, if your dentist sees signs of gum disease, you will be given some alternative hygiene protocols. Among other things, you may need to buy a soft toothbrush. If you normally brush across your teeth, your dentist may advise using a circular motion instead. You may also need to avoid snapping floss against your gums. Aside from this, your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash that does not include alcohol.

There is no question that periodontal disease is as unsightly as it is dangerous. If your gums are bleeding, it is vital to see a dentist as quickly as possible. Even if it turns out that your bleeding is caused by improper brushing and flossing, your dentist will still need to check for signs of infection. Unfortunately, failing to take proper care of this condition can lead to heart disease and even death. Today, you can do something about bleeding gums, and protect your health as well as your dental wellness.

Simple oral hygiene tips to keep Londoners mouth healthy

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

It is not difficult to maintain good oral hygiene; all you have to do is to follow these tips on oral hygiene. These tips are not difficult to follow; and you need not use any expensive equipment, potions or lotions to follow them.Bleeding gums is a problem most complaints dentists in London receive from their customers. However to cure this problem, you only have to examine the way you brush your teeth. Brushing away from the gums exposes the roots of the teeth; this is why it is better to use a gentle ‘up and down’ motion when brushing.

Frenzied side to side brushing motion also causes recession of the gums. Try to clean the areas between your teeth using floss; pieces of food found here only decays and will otherwise be detected only with toothache or gum disease. Even smoking is bad for gums as over time, it affects the deterioration of gums.

If you have sensitive teeth, I suggest you use specialized toothpastes to prevent sensitivity. Try rinsing with warm water if you have sensitive teeth and just resent rinsing with cold water.

Bad breath develops with poor oral hygiene. Though an antiseptic mouthwash improves your breath, drinking lots of water is an easier option as it prevents the mouth from drying. Also make it a point to clean the back of your tongue using your toothbrush and to dislodge pieces of food in your teeth to prevent it from rotting in your mouth.

Most important, visit your dentist regularly. If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to consult professionals as we are here to look after the single set of adult teeth you have to maintain throughout your life.