Stages And Symptoms Of Gum Disease

Our Bedford periodontist discusses the signs and consequences of poor gum health.

Whilst most patients are keen to have strong and healthy teeth, with as few fillings as possible; fewer perhaps, are aware that ensuring good gum health is equally important if we wish to have good oral health.

The biggest threat to our gums is gum disease. Below we look at the general stages and symptoms of this problem, and also how you can help prevent its occurrence in the first place.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and it is not uncommon for many patients to have this at some point in their life. For example, if you have the flu, you may ‘comfort eat’ high sugar content foods and perhaps not brush your teeth as well as you usually do, resulting in the temporary onset of gum disease. Typically though, when a normal cleaning regimen is restored, your gums will return to good health. A good personal cleaning regimen is essential for the prevention of gum disease so you should ensure that your toothbrush, or electric brush head, is no more than three months old and you should also make sure to clean between your teeth using dental floss or an inter-dental brush. This is an important part of the cleaning process that should not be neglected and our local Bedford hygienist will advise you on the best techniques to use and how to perform them.

Potential symptoms of gum disease, at this stage, may include:

●     Sore or swollen gums

●     Receding gums

●     Tender gums or gums that bleed when you brush your teeth

●     Bad breath or halitosis

This list is not exhaustive though and you should maintain regular dental and hygienist visits at our Bedford dentists to help ensure good gum health.

Periodontitis

This is a more advanced stage of gum disease that can occur if gingivitis symptoms are ignored. It is both more aggressive and damaging than gingivitis and can attack the bone in which your teeth are held, causing them to become loose or even eventually fall out. Treatment for periodontitis is more invasive too. Whilst our hygienist may carry out a regular professional clean; where periodontitis occurs, it may be necessary to perform a deep clean where the whole tooth, right down to the roots, has to be cleaned. This procedure would be performed by the periodontist at The Dental Centre Bedford.

Symptoms of periodontitis may include:

●     Badly swollen or tender gums

●     Loose teeth

●     Pus between the teeth

●     Bad taste in your mouth

●     Particularly smelly breath

Rather than receiving treatment for gum disease, preventing it in the first instance is, of course, preferable. If you would like to learn the best method of brushing your teeth, along with interdental cleaning, our hygienist is always available to advise. She may also professionally clean your teeth to remove any tartar that is attached to your teeth or gum line.

To arrange an appointment with our hygienist or to discuss treatment for gum disease, please call The Dental Centre Bedford on 01234 819868.