Maycroft Dental Practice
Gum Disease & Health
Gingivitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end – if not properly treated — with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.
- How we can fix Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition where the gums become swollen, sore, or infected. There are several steps that dentists can take to help manage and treat gum disease.
Professional Cleaning
The first step in managing gum disease is to get a professional cleaning at a dental office. Dentists can perform a procedure known as scaling and root planing, where they remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of teeth and below the gumline. They also smooth the root surfaces to discourage further build-up of plaque and bacteria.
Antibacterial Mouthwashes and Treatments
Dentists might recommend antibacterial mouthwashes or other treatments to help control the bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
Medication
In some cases, dentists might prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to help control the infection causing the gum disease. Medications could include antibiotic gels, microspheres, strips, or oral tablets or capsules.
Surgery
In severe cases, if non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. These can include flap surgery (also known as pocket reduction surgery) to reduce the space between the gum and tooth or bone grafting to replace lost bone.
Maintenance and Prevention
Once the active disease is under control, ongoing maintenance is critical. This includes regular dental check-ups and cleanings, along with a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine – brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
A healthy diet, quitting smoking, and managing conditions such as diabetes can also help improve gum health.
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Get the quality care and treatment that you deserve from the Wirral's leading Gum Disease Experts at Maycroft Dental Practice.
The importance of
Oral Health
Here at Maycroft Dental Practice, we maintain availability for regular check-ups of all of our patients.
We help to ensure that you’re oral health is kept in-check, and maintained as best as possible.
What causes Gum Disease?
Identifying the root causes of Gum Disease
Your oral health is our top priority, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, leading to pain, inflammation, and even tooth loss if left untreated. By emphasizing the importance of regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and personalised treatment plans, we strive to prevent gum disease and maintain optimal oral health. Trust our experienced team of professionals to provide comprehensive care and guidance, ensuring your smile remains vibrant and free from the perils of gum disease.
Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease. These include:
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Illnesses
Illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or HIV that interfere with the immune system. Because diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar, patients with this disease are at higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease and cavities.
Medications
Medications can affect oral health, because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums. Some drugs, such as the anticonvulsant medication Dilantin and the anti-angina drug Procardia and Adalat, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
Bad Habits
Bad habits such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing on a daily basis, make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Family History
Family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.
Gum Disease Symptoms
All requirements covered
The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.
Main Symptoms
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
Risk Factors
- Age
- Genetics
- Stress
- Medications
- Tobacco Use/Smoking
- Poor Nutrition and Obesity
- Other Systemic Diseases
- Clenching or Grinding your teeth.
Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only our dentists or a hygienist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.
Treating Gum Disease
With a variety of different types of Gum Disease, it’s important to understand which variation we’re dealing with. This will be identified at the initial check-up and the respective treatment process will be implemented.
Types of Gum Disease
The various types of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene.
Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Periodontits
Periodontits, Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.
Gum & Teeth Separation
Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
- Find us
We’re easy to find as we’re perfectly and centrally located in the heart of Moreton, Wirral.
- 172 Hoylake Rd, Moreton, Wirral CH46 8TQ
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Get the quality care and treatment that you deserve from the Wirral's leading Dental Experts at Maycroft Dental Practice.