02 Jul

How to Prevent Gum Disease? London Dentist has the Answers

Do your gums bleed when brushing or flossing? Do you experience tenderness in your gums? Do they look swollen? Do you have persistent bad breath? If you answer yes to some or all of these questions you may have gum disease. Even with modern dental treatments, gum disease is still a very common problem. At best it can cause discomfort when eating or talking, at worst it can lead to tooth loss and serious infections.
Your local London dentist can help you prevent gum disease, or treat it if you already have it. The sooner you can spot gum disease the more easily it is treated; regular visits to the dentist will help you it early. As mentioned, the first symptoms of gum disease can be very mild: bleeding gums, tenderness, swelling, or even bad breath. If you experience any of these you should make sure that you are taking good care of your teeth, many mild cases can be treated with good dental hygiene. Brush at least two or three times a day and floss regularly. Gum disease is predominantly caused by the build up of plaque on the teeth around the gums. Plaque is predominantly bacteria and so should be removed as quickly and effectively as possible before it can spread. If the symptoms become pronounced you should make an appointment with your dentist.
Beyond the first symptoms there can be serious complications to gum disease if left untreated. Tooth abscesses (pockets of pus) can build up in your gums. The tissue that connects your tooth to its socket can degrade until your teeth fall out. Visit your dentist if you have any concerns and they will be able to offer a professional cleaning and treatment that is very effective at reducing gum disease.