Beautiful clean teeth are the key to the way we look and feel about ourselves and how other see us. We all try to look after our teeth, but sometimes we are unaware that we have more serious gum disease problems, which is still the number one cause of tooth loss amongst adults in the UK.
This disease affects 15-20% of the population, leading to a destruction of the bone and tissues that support our teeth. This destruction is not predictable and can occur sporadically and because we can't feel or notice the early signs of gum and bone disease; most people only realize how serious the condition is before it's too late to prevent tooth loss.
The treatment of gum disease is therefore a number one priority for all of our patients, and we have a highly experienced and dedicated team of three hygienists working 5 days a week to help our patients maintain their sparkling smiles.
Keep in mind that healthy gums DON'T BLEED. You are the key player on the hygiene team. If you don't do the essential daily brushing and flossing, the rest of your dental team (the dentist and hygienist) is playing short-handed. And sometimes with everyone fighting the good fight, stubborn plaque and bacteria will require some new maintenance techniques for battling gum infection.
Gum Disease is not curable, but it is treatable, and in most cases, controllable.
Smoking: Numerous studies have shown that smokers have more gum disease. Smokers have increased levels of tartar in the mouth, and experience more tissue irritation, which makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Smokers have more bone loss and heal less quickly than non-smokers.
Stress: When our immune system is stressed it is difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections.
Dental neglect: Avoiding the dentist is a lifestyle choice that puts you at risk of contracting diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums.
Floss or die! Your hygienist or dentist works to prevent infection in your mouth from entering the bloodstream and reaching vital organs.
Heart disease: Gum inflammation products and bacteria in gum disease can cause heart disease, and in some cases, double the risk of a fatal heart attack. In addition, bacteria from your mouth may combine with blood-clotting cells called platelets, forming heart-stopping blood clots.
Stroke: New studies show that 70% of the fatty deposits of stroke sufferers contain bacteria, of which 40% comes from the mouth.
Diabetics: This group of people are more likely to have gum disease than most people and gum disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.
Premature birth: Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be as much as seven times more likely to have a baby born early. Some research suggests that gum disease may increase the level of hormones that induce labour.
