Gum Disease
The Care You Deserve
Bleeding Gums? Sore gums? Red gums? Throbbing pain? Swelling? Constant bleeding? Bleeding gums?
At Dovedale Dental Practice, your dental health is of upmost importance to us. This often begins with healthy gums. Ideally we would like to prevent you having gum disease through regular check-ups and appropriate advice. If you have gum disease we are here to help resolve it as sensitively as possible. We are here for YOU! We hope to relieve your problems as soon as possible and can often provide emergency appointments on the same day.
Please contact us within our regular opening hours for assistance. If it is out of hours please contact NHS 111 or our 24/7 independent emergency dental service. If you have a severe facial swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, please dial 999 immediately.
what is dental plaque / calculus?
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria. It can grow on your teeth and gums. It's natural and it is hard to stop it from forming. Bacteria develops can develop in your mouth during the day and when you sleep.
Plaque is usually very easy to remove, however if it is left by not brushing regularly or if it is missed, it can change to hard calculus/tartar. Both will cause gum disease.
A strict routine is required to maintain good oral hygiene. When this build up is present, it is best to have it treated as soon as possible.
Get in touch now to see how we can help.
What are the common signs of gum disease?
Any one of the following could be signs of gum disease:
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Swollen or puffy gums
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Discolouration: Bright red, dusky red, or purple
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Tender gums
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Bleeding gums
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Soreness after brushing
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Spitting blood
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Bad breath
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Pus or swelling
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Loose teeth
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Spaces between your teeth
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Teeth looking longer (recession)
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A changing bite
Gingivits?
What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is a common disease but don't worry it can be cured.
What causes gingivitis? Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a layer of bacteria that can sit on your teeth.
What does it look like? Gingivitis caused red looking gums. Gums should be pink. Inflamed gums cause bleeding gums.
How to prevent gingivitis? Brush your teeth twice a day, for 2-3 minutes (USING A TIMER). Use a toothpaste that contains 1450ppm of Fluoride. Mouthwash at 2 different times to your brushing. Clean interproximally with floss or interdental brushes. Eat healthily and limit sugar to meal times only. If your gums are still bleeding it may be better to book a dental check-up.
How to treat gingivitis? We will begin by completing a full examination of your hard and soft tissues. We will discuss how to look after your teeth and gums better. We can then clean your teeth (often referred to as a 'scale and polish'). Our 3 month hygiene program is the best way to maintain good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis?
What is periodontitis? Periodontitis is a severe and destructive form of gum disease.
What causes periodontitis? Periodontitis is caused by plaque and calculus (bacteria that can sit on your teeth). Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis.
What does it look like? Periodontitis presents as very red, sore and swollen gums. Gums should be pink. Inflamed gums will bleed.
How to prevent periodontitis? Brush your teeth twice a day, for 2-3 minutes (USING A TIMER). Use a toothpaste that contains 1450ppm of Fluoride. Mouthwash at 2 different times to your brushing. Clean interproximally with floss or interdental brushes. Eat healthily and limit sugar to meal times only. If your gums are still bleeding it may be better to book a dental check-up.
How to treat Periodontitis? We will begin by completing a full examination of your hard and soft tissues. We will discuss how to look after your teeth and gums better. We can then clean your teeth. A periodontal clean is more thorough than a scale and polish. Our 3 month hygiene program is the best way to maintain good oral hygiene.