Treatment of Gum Disease

Prevent gum issues and keep your mouth healthy

Gum problems often develop silently, with many people unaware that anything is amiss. Gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque and tartar in your mouth and, If left untreated, can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss.

At Winslow Dental Practice, we prioritise the diagnosis and prevention of gum disease, and believe healthy gums are the foundation for our dental care.

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What is gum disease?

If bacteria and plaque is allowed to build up along the gum line, it can lead to inflammation and the early stage of gum disease, gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis include red and swollen gums that bleed when brushed, and bad breath. This early stage can be reversed with careful treatment and an excellent oral hygiene routine.

If gingivitis is left untreated, pockets can develop between your tooth and gum, exposing the vulnerable tooth root. Plaque and tartar build up on the roots is much harder to remove. This advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis, and is not reversible, but can be controlled with extensive bespoke periodontal treatment.

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How is gum disease treated?

If you think you have gum disease, or if it has been spotted during a routine check up, treatment starts with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, including measuring around each gum to see if any signs of developing periodontal disease are present. This gives an indication of the best treatment for your personal case.

For early gum disease, we may refer you to the hygienist for a professional scale and polish treatment, helping your mouth feel as healthy as possible. You are also shown how best to clean your teeth and gums at home to keep gum problems at bay.

If necessary, or if your gum disease is at an advanced stage, further treatment is carried out to clean the roots of your teeth, beneath the gum line. We use local anaesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout, and may take x-rays to better understand what is happening under your gums. Several sessions may be needed to get your periodontal disease under control.

Frequently asked questions

: Long-standing gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease, and all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. If it is allowed to worsen, the bone anchoring your teeth in place is lost, making your teeth wobbly and likely to eventually fall out. Periodontal disease can be controlled with effective gum treatment.
: Most people will suffer from some form of gum disease in their lifetime, and it is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults. If caught early, it can be slowed down and even reversed with proper treatment, helping you keep your oral health in great condition for life.
: Gum disease is caused by plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth and gums every day. If plaque is not removed by effective daily brushing, including the use of floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth, it can cause gum disease to develop.
: If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to further issues and progress to an advanced stage which is much more difficult to treat. You may require extensive periodontal treatment, gum surgery and gum grafts.
: The symptoms of gum disease are often painless and so you don’t notice the damage it is doing. This is why regular dental check ups are important, as your dentist can spot and treat early gum diease before it can get worse. The first sign of gum disease you may notice will likely be blood on your toothbrush or in the sink when you clean your teeth. You may also notice your breath is not as fresh as before.
: Periodontal disease is never cured, but can become stable. As long as you keep up the home care you have been taught, any further loss of bone will be very slow and it may stop altogether. However, you must make sure you remove plaque by brushing effectively every day, and go for regular check ups with your dentist and hygienist.