Periodontics

Gum disease is usually slow progressing, and a very common condition. The gums become swollen, sore or infected and most people are not aware that they have it.

If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may notice you have bad breath. This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis only affects the gums and it is completely reversible. it occurs when tooth cleaning is not thorough enough, the bacterial deposits build up next to the gums, forming a plaque, and the conditions become suitable for more dangerous bacteria to flourish. The natural defences of the body are also compromised and the gum surrounding the tooth becomes red, swollen and inflamed. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, often without any obvious signs to alert you.

Periodontitis, a more advanced gum disease

Periodontitis is a more serious and advanced form of the disease. It can cause inflammation of the gums, but it also causes the breakdown and loss of bone and gum around the tooth. Bone loss due to gum disease is irreversible. If periodontitis is left untreated, the teeth may become loose which could eventually lead to their loss.

Periodontal Referral

We are now offering an Advanced Dentistry Referral Service from dental colleagues or from patients themselves for complex periodontal cases.  Larkham House have the latest CBCT imaging scanner to enable advanced diagnosis for complex procedures and patient care.

Dr Vivek Giddani has a special interest in Periodontics after completing a post-graduate diploma in Periodontology at Peninsula Dental School in Plymouth.

We aim to see patients within 7 days of receiving the referral. Please contact us for further details.

What are the signs of gum disease?

The most obvious signs of gum disease are:

• Bleeding gums, often when brushing or flossing teeth
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
  Bad taste in your mouth
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Pain on chewing and difficulty eating

Can I prevent gum disease?

The development of gingivitis and periodontitis can be prevented by adopting thorough oral hygiene habits, alongside regular professional examinations and support.

1. Clean the chewing surfaces and sides of the teeth twice daily, with a toothbrush (of an appropriate size and in good condition) and toothpaste.
2. Choose the right toothbrush for you. Your dentist or hygienist can give you advice. Electric toothbrushes can be especially good at removing plaque.
3. Clean the spaces between the teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach, using either dental floss or an interdental brush, depending on the size of the space.

Periodontitis can be inherited from one’s parents so the condition can run in families. Many studies have shown that gum disease is far more common and destructive in smokers. Similarly, diabetes will exaggerate the destructive response to plaque. Other conditions that exacerbate the symptoms of periodontal disease include pregnancy hormones, stress and some medications.

How do we treat gum disease?

The type of treatment you’ll have will depend on how severe your gum disease is. Your dentist may refer you for treatment with a dental hygienist or a specialist periodontist.

The aim of periodontal treatment is to stop the inflammation of your gums and ensure the thorough removal of plaque and calculus deposits from all your tooth and root surfaces.

Once these deposits are removed, and are maintained, the cause of the gum reaction can be eliminated, and the destructive inflammation controlled. Providing the tooth surface is kept clean and free of plaque, the gums will return to a healthy, non-swollen, non-inflamed state.

The most important aspect of treatment for gum disease is an improvement in oral hygiene. Your dentist or hygienist will advise you on methods and techniques that are suitable for you.

If you or your family have a history of gum disease it is important that you mention this to your dentist on your first consultation and seek a thorough assessment of your gum health.

At Larkham House, our dentists, and dental hygienists will be able to assess your susceptibility to gum disease and provide the appropriate treatment, tailored for your specific treatment needs and the best course of action for you.