Periodontal Treatment

What Is Gum Disease?

We all know the importance of cleaning our teeth and having a good oral health regime but it's easy to focus on our teeth and forget the importance of our gums.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is caused by the build-up of plaque and bacteria around the teeth and gums. It often starts as gingivitis, which often leads to redness, tenderness, swelling, bad breath and bleeding when brushing or flossing.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that damages the supporting tissues; leading to receding gums and loss of the bone supporting the teeth which makes the teeth loosen. Some of the major factors affecting periodontitis include smoking, specific strains of bacteria in the plaque, personal stress levels and family history.

Why Is Treatment Important?

Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect your teeth, preserve your smile, and support your overall health and wellbeing.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and ranges from teaching you improved oral hygiene technique, to treatment under local anaesthetic for deep cleaning and elimination of infected gum tissue.

Without treatment, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Research has also linked gum disease to a number of wider health concerns:

Preventing and Managing Gum Disease

Maintaining healthy gums through good oral hygiene and regular dental care is essential for long-term oral health. At Sharrow Vale Dental Care, our dentist with a Special Interest in periodontics, Emma Overton, together with our experienced team of hygienists, provides comprehensive gum health assessments, professional deep cleaning, and tailored maintenance programmes to help keep your gums healthy and your smile strong. We use our Airflow machine for all private periodontal treatments.