Periodontics

Gum disease can be prevented with excellent oral hygiene and regular maintenance with dental checks.

Take a look at our videos on identifying and preventing gum disease and also the video from the British Society of Periodontology.

Early signs of gum disease include bleeding from the gums (which can be painless). Sometimes patients report redness or swelling of the gums. The process is caused by inflammation following the build up of dental plaque. If left untreated this can lead to the development of pockets between the teeth and gums which can harbour bacteria and lead to bone loss which undermines support for the teeth.

Regular dental checks and visits to a dental hygienist can identify early gum problems and reverse the inflammatory changes. All our dentists can give advice relating to this important issue. Smoking cigarettes or tobacco can speed up the process of bone loss around the teeth and smoking cessation can help to reduce gum problems for certain patients.

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Have some questions

I am afraid of going to the dentist ... What can I do?

Come and see our gentle and relaxed team to talk through your concerns. We also offer sedation to reduce anxiety during treatment.

What causes cavities?

Sugar in food and drink is converted into acid by bacteria which live on the teeth. Reducing the frequency of sugary foods and drinks reduces the number of “acid attacks” and therefore regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce decay.

Which is better, a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?

Current evidence shows that an electric toothbrush can perform better than a manual toothbrush if used correctly. Electric brushes with a rotating ossolating head (for example, Oral B Professional) have been shown to give the best results. Don’t forget your inter-dental cleaning aids, such as TePe brushes and floss!

There are so many toothpastes to choose from; how do I know which one to use?

We recommend toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1,350 – 1,500 parts per million (ppm). In certain circumstances your Dentist may prescribe a toothpaste with a higher fluoride content (patients with extensive decay or patients with a dry mouth, please ask your Dentist for more details).

How often should I go to my dentist for a check-up?

We usually recommend a check-up every 6 months. Patients susceptible to dental decay or gum disease may need to be seen more frequently.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by the body’s immune reaction to the build-up of dental plaque. If left untreated this can lead to the development of pockets between teeth and gums which can harbour bacteria. This can lead to bone loss which causes gum recession and undermines the support for teeth.

How safe are dental X-rays?

Most dental x-rays require a tiny dose of radiation. Did you know, a long-haul flight from London to New York can expose you to 30 more times radiation than a small x-ray inside your mouth.

If a person suffers from gum disease can they with correct treatment and following advise from dentist become free of this problem?

Yes, if a patient suffering from gum disease is treated correctly and if the patient follows the guidance of dental care professionals they can be ‘free’ of this problem but will need lifelong maintenance and monitoring to make sure the patient does not relapse and if they do, we can guide them and help them to control the disease and return to a maintenance phase.

Question of the month

When should I take my child to the dentist for their first visit?

When their first baby teeth arrive, usually around 6 months of age. However, it is wise to get advice from your Dentist to prevent tooth decay even before the baby teeth erupt.