gum infection treatment
16 Sep 2022

Learn the Important Facts About Gum Disease

Do inflammation and tenderness exist in your gums? When you clean your teeth, do you find that they bleed easily? If you replied “yes” to any of the following questions, gum disease might be a problem. Despite this, it is possible to have gum disease and be completely oblivious to the fact that you have it.

Here at Super Smile Dental, we want to ensure that you have a beautiful, healthy, super smile, so we’ve compiled some information regarding gum disease treatment and how to treat it. 

Why do people have bad gums?

Two distinct oral diseases are included under the umbrella term “gum disease.” Gingivitis is the common term for the moderate type of gum disease, whereas periodontitis is the term used to describe the more severe form of the illness. 

Each illness can be traced back to the same root cause, germs.

Your mouth is always full of microscopic microorganisms, no matter how frequently you wash your teeth. Plaque is the sticky film that covers your teeth and is made of bacteria, mucus, and other particles in your mouth. The plaque can be removed by diligent brushing and flossing. If you don’t, the plaque will turn into tartar, a hard, yellow deposit on your teeth.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are more likely to occur if there is a significant build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Red, puffy, and bleeding gums are classic symptoms of gingivitis. Proper oral hygiene, including daily brushing, flossing, and visits to our dentist can reverse the effects. However, periodontitis can develop if gingivitis isn’t addressed.

Your gums can start to recede from your teeth if you have periodontitis. When this occurs, spaces develop where the gums and teeth normally would be. These crevices provide ideal conditions for the accumulation of food and plaque, which can then lead to infection. Without treatment, periodontitis can weaken the bone, gums, and other tissues that keep your teeth in place, leading to a host of oral health problems.

The Tell-tale Signs Of Gum Disease

It might take a while for the signs of gum disease to become bothersome. As a result, you may be suffering from poor dental health without realising it. If you suffer from gum disease, you might experience the following signs and symptoms:

  • Red, swollen, or painful gums
  • Gums that bleed easily when brushed, flossed, or after eating tough foods.
  • Receding gums
  • Shifting teeth that create gaps when you bite, loose teeth, and adjustments to the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
  • The pus between your teeth and gums is an indication of an infection.
  • Pain in the mouth
  • Persistent bad breath despite oral hygiene practises
  • Inadequately fitting or loose dentures

How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Gum disease is absolutely avoidable, which is excellent news. Keep your gums in good shape by following these guidelines.

Keep up with your dental checks.

No matter your age, frequent visits to our dentist are essential. However, gum disease grows more frequent with age, so regular checks are crucial to maintaining good oral health in old age. Make regular visits to our expert staff at Super Smile Dental, often once every six months. We’ll polish your teeth, scrape away tartar, and look for gum disease indicators. If any problems are found, we’ll go through solutions with you and set up your next cleaning.

Stop smoking

Gum disease is twice as common in smokers as in non-smokers. If you smoke, your immune system will be weakened and it will be harder to fight off an infection in your gums. Smoking reduces the body’s capacity to repair painful, swollen gums caused by gum disease. Stop smoking if you don’t already. Don’t add to your health problems by smoking.

Continue your regular dental hygiene routine.

Careful dental hygiene is essential for avoiding gum disease and halting its development. You should spend two minutes brushing your teeth twice a day (in the morning and before bed) and flossing once a day. Your everyday diet also contributes to your oral hygiene routine. A diet low in sugar and processed carbohydrates is a healthy diet.

Gum Disease Treatment In Cardiff

Gum diseases can be treated if prevention isn’t a possibility. Our specialists can tailor a treatment plan to your specific condition. This treatment plan can involve: 

  • Deeper cleaning below the gum line
  • Medications or mouthwashes of prescription strength
  • Dental procedures to eliminate tartar and assist regenerate bone and gum tissue damaged by gum disease.

Don’t wait around to be checked out if you suspect you have gum disease. Call us today to schedule an appointment with our dental office in Cardiff.