Friday 20 November 2020

Let's talk about Gum Disease and what we should be doing.

 


Gum disease is a common condition where the gums become swollen, sore, or infected.  Most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree, and most people experience it at least once. It's much less common in children.

If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath.  This early stage of gum disease is known as “Gingivitis”.  If gingivitis is not treated, a condition called “Periodontitis” can develop.  This affects the tissues that support teeth and hold them in place.  If periodontitis is not treated, the bone in your jaw may be damaged and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth.  Your teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out.

So, what causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth.  Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria.  Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful for the health of your gums.  If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums.  This can lead to redness with bleeding, swelling and soreness.

You should make an appointment to see your dentist if your gums are painful, swollen, or bleed when you brush your teeth.  Your dentist can carry out a thorough dental examination to check the health of your gums, which may involve inserting a thin metal stick with a bend in one end (periodontal probe) beside your teeth.  In some cases, a number of X-rays may be needed to check the condition of your teeth and jawbone.

Preventing and treating gum disease

Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated by maintaining a good level of oral hygiene.  This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.  You should also make sure you go for regular dental check-ups.  In most cases, your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to give your teeth a thorough clean and remove any hardened plaque (tartar).  They'll also be able to show you how to clean your teeth effectively to help prevent plaque building up in the future.

If you have severe gum disease, you'll usually need to have further medical and dental treatment.  In some cases, surgery may need to be carried out.  This will usually be performed by a specialist in gum problems (periodontics).

It's important to have regular dental check-ups so any problems with your teeth and gums can be detected and treated early.  If you have never had gum disease and have good oral health, you may only need to visit your dentist every 1 to 2 years for a check-up.  You may need to visit your dentist more frequently if you have had problems with gum disease in the past.  At each appointment, your dentist will advise when you need your next appointment.

If you have an increased risk of developing gum problems (for example, you smoke or have diabetes), you may be advised to visit your dentist more often so your teeth and gums can be closely monitored.

If you have untreated gum disease that develops into periodontitis, it can lead to further complications.  These include:

·      painful collections of pus (gum abscesses).

·      receding gums

·      loose teeth

·      loss of teeth

 

Healthy Gums should be pink, firm, and keep your teeth securely in place.  Your gums should not bleed when you touch or brush them. 

Gum disease is not always painful, and you may be unaware you have it.  This is one of the reasons why it's important to have regular dental check-ups.

In rare cases, a condition called acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) can develop suddenly.  The symptoms of ANUG are usually more severe than those of gum disease and can include:

·      bleeding, painful gums

·      painful ulcers

·      receding gums in between your teeth

·      bad breath

·      a metallic taste in your mouth

·      excess saliva in your mouth

·      difficulty swallowing or talking

·      a high temperature (fever)

 

You should make an appointment to see your dentist if you think you may have gum disease or ANUG.

What is Plaque?

Your mouth is full of bacteria that combine with saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth.

When you consume food and drink high in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy foods), bacteria in plaque turn carbohydrates into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time.  Over time, acid in plaque begins to break down your tooth's surface and causes tooth decay.  Other bacteria in plaque can also irritate your gums, making them inflamed and sore.

Plaque is typically easy to remove by brushing and flossing your teeth, but it can harden and form a substance called “tartar” if it's not removed.  Tartar sticks much more firmly to teeth than plaque and can usually only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Who is at the most risk?

As well as poor oral hygiene, several things can increase your risk of developing problems with your gums.  These include:

·      Smoking:  yet another reason to give up the fags!!

·      Your age:  gum disease becomes more common as you get older

·      Diabetes:  a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar levels to become too high.

·      Pregnancy:  hormonal changes can make gums more vulnerable to plaque.

·      A weakened immune system:  for example, because of conditions like HIV and Aids, or certain treatments, such as chemotherapy.

·      Malnutrition:  a condition that occurs when a person's diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients.

·      Stress.

You may also be more likely to have gum disease if you're taking medicines that cause a dry mouth. These medicines include antidepressants and antihistamines.

Good Oral Hygiene at Home involves:

·      brushing your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing at night before you go to bed and on 1 other occasion every day.  It does not matter if you use an electric or manual toothbrush, but some people find it easier to clean their teeth thoroughly with an electric toothbrush.

·      using toothpaste that contains the right amount of “Fluoride”, a natural mineral that helps protect against tooth-decay.

·      Flossing your teeth or using interdental brushes regularly, preferably daily, before brushing your teeth

·      not smoking

·      regularly visiting your dentist.  At least once every 1 to 2 years, but more frequently if necessary

What about Mouthwash?

“Antiseptic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine or hexetidine are available over the counter from pharmacies.  But there's some debate about whether using mouthwash is necessary for people with healthy gums.  Mouthwashes cannot remove existing plaque. Only regular toothbrushing and flossing can do this.

Your dentist may recommend using mouthwash if it helps control the build-up of plaque, the sticky substance that forms when bacteria collects on the surface of your teeth.  Your dentist will be able to advise you about which type of mouthwash is most suitable and how to use it.  Chlorhexidine mouthwash can stain your teeth brown if you use it regularly.  Rinse your mouth thoroughly between brushing your teeth and using a chlorhexidine mouthwash as some ingredients in toothpaste can prevent the mouthwash working.  You should not use a chlorhexidine mouthwash for longer than 4 weeks, it is recommended.”

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