Gum Disease
Protect your Mouth Gum Diseases in Brent Cross
Gum disease occurs when plaque is left to build up on the teeth, causing the gums to become infected with bacteria. The most obvious sign of gum disease is blood on your toothbrush or in your mouth when you brush your teeth. Your gums may also be sore and swollen. If left untreated, gum disease will damage the bone and ligaments in the mouth.
The causes of gum disease:
Braces
Crooked/overlapping teeth
Implants or dentures
Poor quality crowns or fillings
Smoking
Pregnancy
Getting older
Diabetes
Down’s syndrome
A weak immune system
The three stages of gum disease:
1. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease with two main symptoms: swollen gums and bleeding when brushing your teeth. Gingivitis can be healed with good home dental care and a visit to our dental practice in Brent Cross. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis.
2. Periodontitis (or periodontal disease) happens when gingivitis spreads to the ligaments and bones in the jaw. The gums pull away from the teeth, trapping plaque in hard-to-reach pockets. As the pockets deepen, they begin to collect pus. The gums recede, exposing the tooth roots and resulting in tooth loss.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
Bad breath (halitosis)
Unpleasant taste in mouth
Sensitive, receding gums
Abscesses
Loose teeth
Periodontal disease can be stopped with professional dental treatment at our dental surgery in Brent Cross, along with good home care.
3. ANUG (acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis), also known as ‘trench mouth’, is a serious form of gum disease. It typically occurs in the V-shaped gum in between the teeth. ANUG comes on suddenly, displaying symptoms such as:
Bad breath
Difficulty swallowing
Excess of saliva
Painful ulcers
Difficulty talking
A metallic taste in mouth
Fever and/or illness
Book an emergency appointment with your dentist in Brent Cross if you’re experiencing symptoms of ANUG.
Are you concerned you may be showing signs of gum disease? Visit our caring dental clinic in Brent Cross for swift and effective treatment. We’ll do all we can to restore your dental health.
