I am very happy with this dentist. I moved to this dentist after a bad experience at my old one, which always made me feel comfortable and at ease. I moved out of the area but will still use this dentist and can’t recommend it enough.
Gum Disease
Bright Dental Surgery, St Johns, Woking
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when plaque buildup causes inflammation and infection in the gums, potentially leading to tooth loss if untreated.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects many people, but it’s often overlooked until it becomes severe. It all starts with plaque, the sticky stuff that builds up on your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, that plaque can harden into tartar, irritating your gums and leading to gingivitis—the earliest stage of gum disease.
What to Look Out For
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Receding gums, which make your teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or are shifting
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can become periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. At this stage, the gums can pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can get infected. Over time, this can damage the bone and tissue that support your teeth, possibly leading to tooth loss.
How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
The good news is that gum disease is mostly preventable with good oral care and regular dental check-ups. Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for cleanings can keep plaque and tartar under control. If you notice any signs of gum disease, it’s crucial to catch it early. We offer professional cleanings and deep scaling treatments to get rid of plaque and tartar, along with tips on keeping your gums healthy at home.
Why It Matters
Taking care of your gums isn’t just about your smile—it’s about your overall health, too. Studies have linked gum disease to other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. So, by keeping your gums in good shape, you’re also helping to protect your overall health.
Smoking and Your Teeth
Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for our health. It can cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, many people don’t realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth.
Smoking can also lead to gum disease. Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums fail to heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and gum disease to progress more rapidly than non-smokers. Gum disease still remains the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
