It’s a little known fact but gum disease is responsible for more lost teeth than tooth decay, yet so little focus is put on keeping our gums clean when compared to our teeth. Both varieties of gum disease, the milder gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, are caused by a build up of plaque on the gums, releasing acid and gradually causing an infection.

We’re all aware of plaque but few of us realise exactly what it is. It is made up of a collection of bacteria and food matter that clings to the teeth and gums like a film. Gradually releasing acid from the decaying food and bacteria, it breaks down tooth enamel causing cavities and eroding gum tissue exposing it to infection. Gum disease is very common in the UK with over three quarters of adults experiencing gum disease at some point.

Gingivitis is the mild form of the disease which can be treated with more effective cleaning and some minor treatment from the dentist. Improved brushing and most importantly flossing will usually sort it out, but if plaque is allowed to continue to attack the gums it may worsen, eventually becoming periodontitis which is much more difficult to treat. In serious cases, periodontitis needs to be treated with anti-biotics, surgical tissue removal and even hospitalisation. It also commonly results in tooth loss and the spread of infection. With the recent research indicating a link between gum disease and heart disease it is important to prevent gum disease reaching these proportions. City of London dentists are trained to treat all forms of gum disease but can also be integral in its prevention with regular check ups.

A Central London dentist has recently given advice on the prevention and treatment of gum disease. Tooth loss is generally thought to be due to the tooth simply coming loose, but in most cases it is actually due to a periodontal disease. This is an advanced form of Gingivitis. Is it preventable? A Central London dentist recently advised that gum disease is a natural product of modern living, the food we eat is full of chemicals that are necessary to keep it fresher for longer. The sugar, fat and salt content of our diet, even a well balanced diet, can affect our gums and create the breeding grounds for gum disease. It isn’t preventable entirely, but with a good healthy approach to oral hygiene and regular dental checks; we can lessen the burden. Removing the causes of the disease is a must to keep the mouth as disease free as possible. Plaque is the main contender and the bacteria it contains is in everything we put in our mouths. Keeping the levels down to a minimum will ensure a lot less gum disease. The disease will eat away at the base of the tooth and prematurely cause a breakage from the bone. It also causes the gums to shrink; gums are a protective layer over the teeth that guard against damage to the most vulnerable part of the tooth; which is the base. In losing the gums to a disease like Gingivitis it is not only painful, but in most cases irreversible, it really is a case of prevention rather that cure because there isn’t one. The best a dentist can do is to slow down the process, the rest is really up to us as the owner of teeth, and prevention is always better than cure.

Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue that anchors teeth to the jaw. It is a very common condition affecting nearly half of all adults but it can be treated easily if caught early by a dentist or dental hygienist.

The two main types of gum disease are gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis. Gingivitis is when the gums are attacked by plaque built up after eating. Plaque can be removed by correct brushing and flossing and can also be removed in harder forms by the dentist. Periodontitis follows on from gingivitis and causes infections in pockets where the gum has begun to come away from the tooth. It causes gum tissue to die and shrink away from the tooth exposing sensitive areas of the teeth and causing decay. Periodontitis is not reversible, as gum tissue cannot be made to grow back.

Symptoms of gum disease include sore or irritated gums and occasional bleeding, and shrinking tissue in more serious cases. It can be treated by a process called scaling or in cases of periodontitis by gum surgery. However, the best form of treatment is prevention. Keeping teeth and gums clean and free from plaque helps to prevent gum disease in the first instance and regular visits to a Central London dentist can help to tackle the first signs of any problems. Dentists or hygienists can also show you the correct way to brush and floss that will keep your gums disease free.

One of the most common dental problems is gum disease, also known as gingivitis. This can be an irritating, or at times, very painful condition caused by an infection of the gums. If the infection is not treated it can lead to bleeding gums, tooth loss and further health complications such as heart disease.

As with all dental health, the first line of defence against gum disease is prevention. By brushing teeth for three minutes twice a day, with an appropriate brush and in the correct way you can significantly help to stop gum disease developing. A close second to brushing comes flossing. Flossing once a day not only cleans the areas between the teeth that regular brushes can’t reach, but also cleans below the gumline, which is a notorious place for the build up of plaque.

Your lifestyle can also affect how healthy your gums are. People who drink excessively or use tobacco products are far more likely to develop gum disease. Tobacco seriously affects the gums ability to heal themselves so it can be a major contributing factor to the onset of gingivitis.

These preventative measures help to control the build up of plaque, which is a bacteria rich, filmy substance that covers the surface of the teeth and gums and causes decay. If left, plaque turns into tartar, which also causes gum disease and is incredibly hard to remove. If gum disease is allowed to develop it becomes a more serious strain called periodontitis which can lead to tooth loss and further infection.

If a dentist discovers gingivitis, or periodontitis, he may prescribe anti-biotics to fight the infection. If the infection is too far developed they may be forced to remove some of the gum tissue in a process called a gingivectomy, or even extract the tooth itself.

It is also important to make regular six-month visits to your dentist. They will be able to spot the early onset of gum disease and treat it before it becomes a more serious problem. Gum disease can cause years of pain and costly dental procedures if not prevented or treated quickly. Make an appointment to see your central London dentist and have yourself examined for gum disease as soon as possible.

Apart from brushing, the most important thing you can do for your teeth is to floss. Dentists recommend that you should floss at least once a day to maintain good oral hygiene. The gaps between your teeth can be home to millions of bacteria, especially when particles of food become lodged there and begin to decay. Decaying food particles are attacked by bacteria and can be the source of bad breath, tooth decay and assorted other dental health problems.

By not cleaning these areas, the bacteria will eventually produce acid that will begin to erode away the enamel and start to cause cavities. This acid will also emit foul smelling sulfurous compounds, the primary reason for bad breath.

The mucus like substance that bacteria live in is called plaque. Brushing removes plaque but it can be hard to clean between teeth with a conventional brush. Flossing also cleans below the gum line which can prevent the onset of gingivitis (gum disease).

If left, plaque will turn into tartar, which causes the teeth to stain and is impossible to remove by brushing and flossing. Tartar also attacks teeth through cavities and can lead to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. Ask a London dentist about the correct way to floss and when is the best time of day to do it.

Recent research has also found that flossing can help to prevent heart disease. There really are lots of good reasons to floss thoroughly every day. It might just save your life.

Even though you may feel reasonably comfortable with over the counter mouth washes, your London dentist may have some formulas that will work better for your unique oral condition. For example, if you are struggling to combat halitosis or gingivitis, you may need a mouth wash that has antibacterial properties. Unfortunately, if you make use of mouth washes with alcohol in them, they will kill off the good germs, and leave room for bad ones to proliferate even faster. While these mouth washes are fairly popular, they may do more harm than good under certain conditions.

If you are having problems with cavities, you may also be interested in mouth washes that contain a higher percentage of fluoride. Depending on your situation, your dentist may also be able to give you some gels, as well as other therapies that will help reduce your current rate of tooth decay. While fluoride mouth washes tend to work best, your dentist may also have some other rinses that will be of use to you.

Without a question, if you just had your teeth cleaned, or some other type of oral procedure, you may need to use a rinse known as Chlorhexedane. This rinse will kill germs, as well as help reduce the risk of infections. Even though it will not destroy plaque, your dentist may feel that it will work better while your gums and other mouth tissues are recovering.

When regular mouth washes do not meet specific needs, you can ask your dentist about other options. Regardless of whether you are concerned about abscesses, tooth decay, or other issues, there are prescription based mouth rinses that can be of use to you. As may be expected, your dentist will advise you on how to use these washes properly, as well as let you know how long you will be able to use them.

Gum disease (gingivitis) is prevalent in the U.K. Your City of London dentist can help you with your gum problems. The signs and symptoms of gingivitis include gum swelling, temperature increase in the gums, redness, bleeding and/or pus around the gums, and pain. Gum disease begins when bacteria builds-up around the teeth and gums that are not adequately removed, and these bacteria and their by-products and end-products cause the gum tissue to become inflamed. Gingivitis is caused by these local conditions, but can be made worse if the body’s defences are weak. If you recognise the symptoms of gingivitis and seek help early on, gingivitis can be reversed. However, if not treated early-on and/or properly, gingivitis can cause oral bone loss (periodontal disease), with the result(s) being tooth loosening and/or tooth loss. Periodontitis can also lead to more severe pain, abscesses and bad breath (i.e., halitosis), or can go unnoticed until you visit your City of London dentist. .
Your City of London dentist will alleviate your gum pain, and can properly treat your gum disease. Your dentist and staff will teach you the proper brushing and flossing techniques, and emphasize that the key to good gum health is prevention. It is highly recommended that you visit your dentist regularly for regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Your City of London dentist and dental hygienist will instruct you on the proper home care of your teeth and gums. You should make sure that you brush your teeth two times daily for at least 2 minutes each time, and floss your teeth at least once daily. Your City of London dentist may refer you to a gum specialist (periodontist), if your gum disease is too far advanced. Tooth scaling, root planning, and gum scraping can help combat gum disease, along with antibiotic treatment. There are occasion where gum surgery may be required to solve your gum problems.

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.

Considered to be the breeding ground of oral bacteria, dental plaque forms on the teeth’s surface. Since they are just soft deposit, you can easily remove them with regular flossing and brushing. In addition, you will have to visit your City of London dentist for dental cleaning in order to avoid gum disease due to plaque buildup.

Surveys in the UK have revealed that:

• 7 out of 10 adults have visible plaque
• Half of the 7 adults are already suffering from various gingivitis degrees
• 2 out of 10 aged 15 to 18 have periodontitis with pockets of depth about 4 to 5 mm
• 8 out of 100 adults suffer from severe periodontitis with pockets of minimum depth 6 mm

You must keep in mind that although everyone can develop dental plaque, only some develop periodontal or gum disease. For this reason, it is important that you aware of the risk factors associated with gum disease due to plaque:

• Poor hygiene that encourages the build up of plaque
• Smoking
• Weakened immune system
• Diabetes

In order to prevent gum disease due to plaque, you should:

• Brush teeth 2-3 times a day for about two minutes
• Use power toothbrushes which are found to remove plaque and debris better than regular toothbrushes
• Visit dentist regularly for dental cleaning
• Stop or avoid smoking

Treatment for gum disease associated with plaque depends on the severity of the disease. Your City of London dentist will give you an antiseptic mouthwash in addition to special dental treatment that can remove stubborn plaque in deep pockets.

Your City of London dentist and dental hygienist will properly instruct you on oral health care. These oral hygiene instructions and good practices should begin at a very early age. You will be taught how to brush and floss your teeth, and clean your gums and tongue. Dental plaque needs to be removed from your teeth properly every day, at least twice daily. Making this effort to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and clean will help you to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. The dentist and dental hygienist can also advice you on your diet and nutrition in order to keep your mouth healthy.

Several pointers include: Using a soft/medium nylon toothbrush; holding your brush comfortably; using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste; angling your brush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line; using a vibrating circular motion when brushing, etc. Make sure that you brush for at least two minutes twice daily and floss. Visit your City of London Dental Clinic to get yourself on the right road to oral hygiene care!