Last Updated on 21st August 2023
More than 95% of the British population have some degree of gum infection, explain the dentists at Evesham Dental Health Team on Broadway Road.
Gum infections are the most common cause of tooth loss but often go unnoticed as they can sometimes progress without pain. You can have beautiful, straight teeth with no fillings and strong enamel, yet lose them to gum disease.
If you ever notice any of the following signs, you’re likely to have gum disease:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Bad breath or bad tastes
- Gum recession
- Loosening of teeth
- Teeth that drift from their original position
- Tooth loss
It is also possible to exhibit no warning signs and this is why our dentists and hygiene team perform routine periodontal screening at your regular dental health reviews.
There are two main forms of gum disease
Gingivitis is inflammation of just the soft gum tissue. The gums appear red and swollen; they may bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis when treated is reversible with no permanent damage to the gums.
Periodontitis is the progression of gingivitis below the gum line resulting in destruction of the attachment bone that surrounds the tooth.
The plaque bacteria accumulate in these pockets and form complex biofilms; where toxins are released to trigger destruction. The body responds with an inflammatory response where it turns on itself. This is the body’s way of warding off and getting away from infectious agents. The body is trying to help but instead the inflammatory response causes destruction. Unfortunately certain people are more vulnerable and sometimes unfairly, even when they have been dedicated to cleaning their teeth.
If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and can also aggravate systemic illnesses – such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, bacterial lung infections and dementia, as well as increasing the risk of having a low birth-weight baby and having problems with fertility.
Periodontitis is not reversible but it can be controlled to slow or ideally stop further destruction. This is why treatment must begin as early as possible.
One of our patients posted a review on Google recently about his periodontal treatment with us.
“I’ve always known and been aware that I’ve got periodontal disease which is genetic. Something that I’ve found difficult to manage and accept,” said Andre Fuorvito.
“I saw Charlotte & Claire today who were amazing! My appointment was completely pain free. I’ve got a couple more appointments to go which I’m actually really looking forward to!!”
Thank you, Andre for your kind and thoughtful review. It’s very true some patients are more vulnerable to periodontal disease, and if untreated it increases the risk of losing teeth and many other health complications.
We take great pride in screening for this condition and doing all we can, working together with patients like yourself, who are motivated to recover and maintain good dental health.
To read more of our amazing Google reviews, click here.
