Blog

Although gum disease may be referred to as “gingivitis” – inflammation of the gum tissue – there are different types of gum diseases, such as Periodontal Disease, Caries and Mouth Cancer.
Gingivitis is usually the start of gum disease, leading to periodontal ligament damage, so that teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Infection in the tooth root canals also spreads, infecting the blood and damaging nerves not just in the mouth, but the rest of the body.
Symptoms of gum disease are red, swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums. Gum tissue softens and may feel tender or sore. Plaque build-up is a major cause of gum disease. Those with poor oral hygiene practice and who do not visit a dentist for regular dental check-ups are at higher risk of gum disease. Improper teeth brushing technique may also irritate the gums leading to the overgrowth of bacteria and gum infection.
In the UK, gum disease is quite prevalent. Dentists in London provide screening and early intervention treatments for gum inflammation and disease. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease, as is acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) or “trench mouth”.
Trench mouth is severe bacterial infection of the gums leading to open sore ulcers in the mouth. People with HIV, immunodeficiency conditions and malnutrition may suffer from mouth ulcers.
Gum disease cannot heal itself. Professional dental treatment is required, such as through London dentists who provide treatments like root canal treatment to remove the infection from the tooth roots and gum tissue.
Dental implants may be inserted as replacement tooth roots. Dental sealant is used to secure the tooth socket so that further infection does not arise. Where teeth are damaged, lost or extracted, dentists in London provide tooth restorations such as inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges.