How To Prevent The Progression of Gum Disease

How To Prevent The Progression of Gum Disease

11/03/2022

Gum disease is a very common issue that we see at our practise. Some patients don’t realise they have gum disease until they attend their regular check-ups. It is important to note that bleeding gums is never normal, so if your gums bleed when brushing or flossing then it’s likely you have early-stage gum disease.

Patients develop gum disease when they do not prioritise their oral health and bacteria builds up on the teeth and beneath the gumline. If this bacterium is left to build up for too long, it can attack the enamel on your teeth and irritate your gums which can lead to gum disease.

In the UK, up to 9 in every 10 people have gum disease to some degree. This statistic is very concerning, as severe gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss if left untreated. Replacing missing teeth can be costly and time consuming.

Many patients feel that because they brush their teeth twice a day, they are doing enough to prevent gum disease, but this isn’t the case. What is more important is the quality of the clean you are providing. People who may not enjoy brushing their teeth may have a poor brushing technique and focus simply on the surface of the tooth they can see instead of under the gumline and behind the teeth.

As well as brushing twice a day, you must be flossing or using interdental brushes at night. The floss should not only glide between the teeth to remove food debris but also curve under the gumline to remove plaque.

The combination of effective tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing efficiently in between each tooth and under the gumline is the best way to prevent the progression of gum disease.

Do you spit blood when you brush? Are your gums red, sore or tender? Please visit your dentist for a check-up if you experience any of the above, as gum disease is easily treated if it hasn’t progressed to the a more severe stage. Your dentist may suggest a deep clean to clean deep into the pockets between your teeth so that you have a ‘clean slate’ and it is easier to clean your teeth at home.