Periodontal Disease & It’s Treatment

What do health gums look like?

In a healthy mouth, gums are pink and do not bleed on toothbrushing. They are firm and cannot be easily separated from teeth.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation of the tissue that supports teeth and attach them to the jaw. In the early stages the disease only involves soft gum tissue and is called gingivitis. Later, disease may spread to the bone and is called periodontitis.

Nowadays, in the UK gum disease is one of the commonest cause of tooth loss in adults.

What does gum disease look like?

This depends on the severity of the disease. In gingivitis, the gum are usually red and swollen, and often bleed during tooth brushing.

As the disease progresses, gums shrink and teeth may loosen as bone underneath is destroyed. Eventually some teeth may fall out or have to be removed by your dentist.

Gum disease is often associated with bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by a thin layer of bacteria called plaque which builds up on teeth. These bacteria release poisons which irritate the gum and other supporting tissues, causing inflammation. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, which forms on teeth near the gum margin. The plaque which causes periodontitis is different – it builds up in the pockets that form between gums and teeth as the disease gets worse. Some people are more susceptible to gum disease than others.

Can gum disease be controlled?

YES

• Careful brushing and flossing reduces the build up of plaque at the gum margins and between the teeth.
• Regular dental visits supplement your own efforts. Your dentist or hygienist can remove any plaque that has formed above and below the gum line. They can also remove calculus (tartar). This hard deposit provides a good surface for plaque to grow on. Since calculus resists normal brushing it needs to be professionally removed.
• Existing gum disease can be treated if it is not too advanced. Where pockets have formed the root of teeth can be cleaned and smoothed to allow the gum to reattach and the swelling to subside. This is called scaling and root surface instrumentation. In deeper pockets it may be useful to reduce the bacteria using antibiotics. In advanced disease, surgery to reshape the gum and bone can help to stabilise teeth and prevent them falling out. Surgery can also make it easier to remove plaque and tartar from these sites.

Interdental Brushing

What is an Interdental brush?

It is a small brush that can beheld between your thumb and you fingers. Interdental brushes are available in various sizes which enables you to choose which size is most suitable for you. You may need to use more than one size to enable you to effectively clean all spaces between your teeth.

Why clean between teeth?

Over the course of a day, food and debris get lodged in between your teeth and in any gaps you may have. If left, this debris can cause dental decay and gum disease. Removing food debris and plaque with an interdental brush will help keep your breath fresh. Cleaning in between your teeth makes sure that you are cleaning your mouth as thoroughly as possible.

Should I use an interdental brush instead of my normal toothbrush?

No. these small brushes should be used as part of your normal oral hygiene routine to be effective.

Why is my normal toothbrush not enough?

You will know that there are certain places in your mouth that are difficult to reach with your normal brush.

there are also some gaps between your teeth that your toothbrush will not be able to access.

How can the interdental brush help?

With its small filaments and tiny bottle type head, the brush can be moved between the teeth to remove debris and plaque that will not have been removed by your usual toothbrush.

They are available in two textures, original and soft giving an effective options for even the most sensitive gums and teeth.

How do I use it?

Select a suitable sized interdental brush. Never force the brush between the teeth. Between front teeth, use a finer brush, turning slightly to ease the brush comfortably between the teeth. Remove the brush by gently pulling thereby removing plaque and debris. Repeating the turning motion to re-insert and pull out several times until you are satisfied the space is clean. For larger spaces nearer the back of the mouth, a larger headed headed brush might be needed. To be as effective as possible, shape the head into slight curve DO NOT bend at right angles. You will then be able to easily locate and clean the space effectively. Always rinse brush in clean water during and after use.

When should I use it?

You need to clean between all your teeth at least once a day.