Gum Treatments
What Is Gum Disease?
We all want to keep our teeth for as long as possible, unfortunately gum disease is one of the major reasons we lose teeth as we age. Unlike tooth decay, gum disease is generally painless until the latter stages, when tooth loss becomes inevitable.
Gum disease, also know as Periodontitis, is caused by bacteria that live in our mouth, destroying the gum tissue and bone that helps support our teeth. If not treated, the bone is reduced until teeth start to become wobbly and eventually can lead to painful infections and ultimately fall out.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Loss Through Gum Disease?
The most effective ways of preventing tooth loss through gum disease are by ensuring really effective daily cleaning habits and by regularly having your teeth professionally cleaned by a hygiene team. As all of our mouths are different, our hygiene team provide our patients with customised brushing and flossing techniques to combat the bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
If you have moderate to severe gum disease, it may be that a referral to a specialist dentist that focuses on a more specific way of controlling gum disease if required. At South Devon Dental, Dr Rochester and Dr Manuel Geraldes have a special interest and Masters Degree in Periodontology and are able to comprehensively examine the current health of your gums and offer treatment solutions that will reduce the chance of experiencing pain or tooth loss.
Questions About Gum Treatments
Here are some of the common questions we’re asked about Gum Treatments. All of our treatments are tailored to suit your individual needs. Because of this we often recommend a consultation with one of our dental team if you’re considering any treatments, so we can assess and advise the best options available to you. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Signs that you might need gum treatment include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation.
Preventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and limit sugary snacks and beverages.
- Avoid Tobacco: Smoking or using other tobacco products increases the risk of gum disease.
- Manage Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes can affect gum health, so managing overall health is crucial.
There are several common types of gum treatments that your dentist may recommend based on the severity of your gum disease:
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep-cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Gum Grafting: A surgical procedure where tissue is taken from another part of your mouth (or a donor) to cover exposed roots or augment thin gums.
- Periodontal Surgery: For advanced gum disease, surgery might be necessary to clean infected areas, reduce gum pockets, or regenerate lost bone and tissue.
More Treatments by South Devon Dental
Explore the wide range of dental treatments we offer at South Devon Dental. From general dentistry and routine checkups to orthodontic services and advanced cosmetic procedures, we have everything you need to maintain and enhance your smile.
