Gum Disease

Gum Disease Treatment in Glasgow 

Healthy teeth need healthy gums and if left untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth. It is an infection of the gums, which over time can destroy the support of your natural teeth. Gum disease occurs when the gums around the teeth become swollen, sore or even acutely infected. 

 

Types of Gum Disease

The two most common forms of gum disease are gingivitis, which results in swollen and bleeding gums, and periodontal disease, a problem which occurs in some patients as a result of a long term or untreated gingivitis. Here, the supporting structure around the teeth is affected and can result in teeth becoming sore, wobbly and eventually tooth loss.

How Does Gum Disease Develop? 

The primary cause of gum disease is the build-up of bacteria from dental plaque that inflames and damages the gums. The daily build-up of plaque is inevitable and the initial bacteria that cause the build-up are harmless. If the plaque is left to mature however the bacteria that are found in the plaque change to more harmful ones resulting in the disease process starting.

How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease

The best way to prevent periodontal diseases is by adopting good tooth brushing and flossing techniques on a daily basis as well as regular dental examinations and cleanings at your dentist. We would also recommend using interdental brushes such as TePe brushes to get a more thorough clean between your teeth. Unfortunately, even with the most thorough home dental care regime, you can still develop some form of periodontal disease.

How do we treat gum disease?

Non- surgical treatment

If you need treatment to cure your gum disease, we will most likely treat you over a number of visits. Our team will give your teeth a thorough clean, removing the plaque and bacterial build-up completely. We often recommend the use of special mouth rinses and on occasion antibiotics to help kill off the bacteria causing the disease.

The majority of cases of periodontal disease can be managed with non-surgical treatment. Initially, we advise you on how you can improve your dental routine at home, concentrating on the specific use of cleaning aids to target your individual needs. Your teeth are then cleaned above and below the gum using scaling and root planing at our clinic. Our hygienists work closely with our dental surgeons to carry out these clinical treatments to prevent and control periodontal disease.

What other factors can affect the health of your gums?

  • Genetics
  • Smoking and tobacco usage
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes 
  • Medication
  • Stress
  • Poor nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Clenching and grinding teeth   

This chronic infection causes the bone around your teeth to dissolve away. The bone loss around your teeth may be irreversible, so we aim to prevent bone loss before it is too late to save your teeth.

 

Gum disease can be hard to spot, which is why it is important to visit your local Glasgow dentist for routine check-ups. Your dental practitioner may refer you to a periodontist if they suspect any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. The most obvious signs of periodontal disease are:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Pain whilst chewing
  • Bad taste
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums.   

What is a Periodontist?    

A periodontist is concerned with keeping your teeth in place, throughout your lifetime. They are trained to help prevent, diagnose and treat periodontal diseases.

After your periodontist has examined your teeth and gums, they can provide you with an estimate of the cost of your treatment, remember that treating gum disease is much less costly and better for your health than replacing teeth lost to untreated gum disease.   

Should you have any symptoms of gum disease or concerns over your gums, you can rest assured in the knowledge that you can be treated at our dental clinic in Glasgow by one of the most specialised clinicians in their field.   

Fortunately, at The Berkeley Clinic, we have a Specialist Periodontist Dr Maria Trianti who would be delighted to discuss any dental treatments with you. 

To find out how our specialist periodontist treats more complex cases with surgical options visit our Specialist Periodontist treatments page.

If you want to keep your smile healthy and happy regular dental checks and cleaning are essential.

 

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Are you unhappy with your smile, do you get embarrassed by your crooked and discoloured teeth? Is it difficult to eat the foods you love? Would you like to replace missing teeth with a fixed solution, have straighter whiter teeth and get the smile that you’ve always wanted? Call the Berkeley Clinic today to book your consultation and get the smile you've always wanted.

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