Archive for the ‘gum disease’ Category

Patients with Wirral dentists worried about gum disease get advice and treatment

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

The dangers of gum disease can be significant. This sensitive tissue is a very important part of your mouth and you should do your best to take care of your gums. Don’t do it alone though; let your dentist be a vital ally in your quest for healthy gums by taking their advice and reporting any problems that occur.

The most basic form of gum disease is caused by too much plaque being left on the gum line of teeth. Plaque is not only a danger for your teeth; it also inflames gums and results in gingivitis. You might be experiencing gingivitis if your gums have become more sensitive and perhaps a little swollen. Gums that are healthy will a shade of pink in colour but if gingivitis is starting to take hold then they will look a little reddened.

At your six month check up with your Wirral dentist, he or she should be able to spot any of these indicators if you have not already done so. Gingivitis is a fairly easy problem to rectify. Usually dentists will just tell their patients that they need to change the way that they look after their teeth. Flossing is very important for the health of your gums and if you have been neglecting this aspect of your oral health routine then your dentist might tell you how to do it, or prescribe you antibiotics.

Periodontitis is what can happen to gums if gingivitis is not dealt with adequately. This serious condition can result in teeth being lost because the inflammation in the gums spreads to the bones which hold your teeth in place. Keep your Wirral dentist informed about the state of your gums and you shouldn’t have to worry about gum disease.

Dentists in Toxteth are vigilant in their search for the signs of periodontal disease

Monday, August 1st, 2011

With so many people focussing on teeth, gums can sometimes get forgotten when it comes to oral hygiene. But it is just as important to keep your gums health if you want your mouth to be free from ailments and able to function as it should. The best way to take care of your gums is not just to brush but to make sure that you floss properly too. Unfortunately, the high rates of periodontal disease in the United Kingdom attest to the fact that too many people are neglecting this paramount aspect of oral care at home.

Healthy gums ought to be a shade of pink and there should be no visible recession where it seems like your teeth are lengthening. If your gums are turning somewhat more red and feel quite tender then it might mean that you have gingivitis which is the basic form of periodontal or gum disease. You might find that eating or drinking food and drink that is hot or cold can be very sensitive on your gums too.

Thankfully sorting out gingivitis is pretty straightforward and it is often a matter of making sure that you floss regularly. The inflammation sometimes needs to be cleared up with antibiotics. Once gingivitis is dealt with you won’t have to worry about periodontitis which is the advanced form of gum disease. This condition is to be avoided at all cost as it can easily lead to tooth loss. The gums will become very sore and often bloody and are likely to recede significantly from the teeth, leaving them at risk of falling out.

Keep up the routine of brushing and flossing and going to see your Toxteth dentist every six months so that early signs of periodontal disease can be spotted and dealt with properly.

A quick guide to Gum Disease in the Wirral

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

As we get older in the Wirral, any major problems in our bodies, i.e. in the heart, liver, or latent diabetes, generally is a reflection of how we have lived our life when we were younger, the days when we considered ourselves immortal, and immune to anything; bad diet, poor oral hygiene, smoking and alcohol were things we ‘took on the chin’. But there comes a point where the body says ‘enough’. Gum disease is generally one of these problems caused by such youthful attitudes and can be dangerous to the rest of the body. Its causes are down to all of the above, though especially to poor oral hygiene and the lack of regular check-ups at the dentists. But once it starts it needs to be stopped, primarily for the sake of your teeth, as it can lead to decay and then, inevitably, some very lengthy and expensive treatments just to keep the teeth in your mouth. Attention to your mouth and a consultation with your dentist, should be able to keep it at bay; remember, gum disease cannot be reversed very easily and treating it at an advanced stage is complex. But the disease itself, if allowed to fester, will start to produce toxins in the bloodstream- poisoning if you like, and this will build up over a period of time and start infecting the more delicate, but important organs in the body. Gum disease has been positively linked to heart disease, diabetes, kidney and liver failure and of course tooth loss.

Bootle dentists help patients get rid of plaque and stop gum disease

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

When most people think of plaque they see it as primarily something to be avoided so that teeth remain healthy. But in fact, plaque can pose a danger to your gums as well. There are certain practices that you should make an integral part of your routine in order to stop your gums from being harmed by any plaque that might build up.

Plaque is not something that can be avoided as such because it is formed every time you eat or drink any food or liquid. Certain substances cause a great deal more plaque than others, such as food with a great deal of sugar in, as well as those containing a lot of starch too. But the important thing is to get rid of plaque from your mouth once you have eaten.

Of course brushing is of paramount importance here. The motion of the bristles against teeth dislodges plaque and the tooth paste helps to strengthen your natural defence: enamel. But it is vital that flossing is not neglected. Plaque does not only build up on the surfaces of your teeth, it can also find a home between teeth too and flossing is the best way to remove it from there.

If plaque is left on the gum line of teeth it can lead to gum disease which is a leading cause of tooth loss, more so than actual dental decay itself. If you are noticing that your gums are becoming rather sensitive or are reddening rather than the shade of pink that indicates health, you should contact your Bootle dentist. Gum disease is usually a pretty simple matter to sort out but it should be dealt with sooner rather than later.

Wirral dentists help patients overcome their problems with gum disease

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Far too many people simply put up with gum disease as if it is just a part of life. True, gum disease is pretty common but that doesn’t mean that it should just be lived with. Your dentist is an expert in all areas of your mouth, including your gums, and they can not only diagnose gum disease but also give plenty of handy advice about how to avoid it in the first place.

Just like tooth decay, the main cause of gum disease is the substance known as plaque. You can’t avoid plaque forming in your mouth, as eating and drinking almost anything will produce it. But there are foods and drinks which cause more of it to occur and, of course, you ought to be doing to your best to remove it as soon as it does form so that it cannot damage your mouth.

If plaque is left on the gum line of teeth then it can cause the gums to become inflamed. This is what’s called gingivitis and it is the most common and basic form of disease which can afflict the gums. Symptoms include greater sensitivity and visible redness to gums which ought to be a healthy shade of pink to look at. Gingivitis is pretty easy to deal with and usually requires little more than a tightening up of your oral care routine. Perhaps you will be advised to start flossing or brushing in a different way.

Gingivitis in uncomfortable and inconvenient but the real reason to sort it out is so that it can’t progress into periodontitis, where the inflammation spreads to the bones which hold your teeth in place. Talk to your Wirral dentist if you need any more information about the causes, symptoms and treatments of gum disease.

Preventive dentistry and gum disease: get advice from Birkenhead dentists

Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

When most people think of dentistry and oral hygiene it is usually the teeth which come to mind. This is understandable as your teeth are vital to the smooth running of the functions of your mouth. But the attention given to teeth should not obscure how much attention needs to be given to gums. With seventy five per cent of British adults currently suffering from some form of gum disease, which is a greater cause of tooth loss than tooth decay itself, it is imperative that we give more focus to how to look after our gums.

Gums can become diseased if plaque is not adequately removed from the gum line. Plaque is formed when we eat, especially sugary and starchy foods, and not only attacks teeth. It also affects gums, causing them to redden, become sensitive and even bleed. If gingivitis – the most basic form of gum disease – progresses, periodontitis might take hold. This particularly nasty condition causes inflammation of the bones holding teeth in place.

Preventive dentistry basically means guarding against these conditions before they take place. The best way you can take control of your oral health is to brush and floss twice a day and perhaps after meals too if you have eaten lots of starch or sugar. This will remove the plaque from your teeth. In tandem with this you should visit your dentist every six months so that your mouth can be checked. If the dentist thinks it necessary, he or she might give your mouth a professional clean so that plaque is removed with particular efficiency.

If you are worries about gum disease and want to know how to guard against it, contact your Birkenhead dentist today.

Easing gingivitis or gum disease with herbal remedies: get advice from Bootle dentists today

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

Around three quarters of the adult population of the United Kingdom are currently suffering from gum disease in some form. Gum diseases are easily avoidable and usually quite easy to deal with in their early stages but they should be taken seriously because they are a leading cause of tooth loss, more so than tooth decay itself. What many people don’t know is that gum disease can successfully be relieved using a number of effective herbal remedies.

The most common form of gum disease is called gingivitis and it often occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene, leading to a build up of plaque against the gum line which causes inflammation of the gums. Usually gingivitis can be combatted by tightening up home oral hygiene routines and being sure to brush and floss as advised by dentists. But there are also herbal remedies which can be successful too.

You might wish to choose a tooth paste which contains substances such as sage, peppermint or basil, for example as these can be beneficial for gums. Calendula, grapefruit extract and echinacea can be rubbed into the gums to help them but you should seek advice from your dentist before pursuing this as the process is too aggressive for some.

Aloe vera and clove can also be very good for your gums and do much to relieve inflammation. Keeping up a stringent oral hygiene regime of brushing and flossing is the best way to combat gum disease and it is vital that you visit your dentist every six months for a check up, but herbal remedies can help too. Ask your Bootle dentist for more information and take the first step towards securing the health of your gums.

Merseyside dentist protects teeth with fluoride therapy

Monday, November 1st, 2010

Your teeth are constantly under threat from plaque, bacteria and many other elements that exist in the oral cavity. Plaque and bacteria build up around the teeth, coating them and eating away at the surface enamel. This causes cavities and dental decay which ultimately results in pain and tooth loss. The worse the decay becomes, the harder it is to treat and the more it will cost you. This is why dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This also helps to keep your gums healthy, preventing gum disease and protecting your general health.

Toothpaste is specially designed to complement brushing, making it more effective and providing more protection for your teeth. One ingredient that is contained in many toothpastes is fluoride. This makes the teeth more resistant to bacteria and plaque damage.

Fluoride also strengthens the tooth structure making them less likely to crack or chip. Fluoride is also routinely added to the water supply in an effort to maintain the general public’s teeth. This is done in different measures depending on where you live so you will need to ask your Merseyside dentist what the fluoride level is in your area as you may not be getting enough.

However, it is important to remember to ask your dentist before you use any fluoride products as it can have a negative impact on the teeth. This is especially true of children. Dentists recommend that children should not be exposed to fluoride before the age of about six, when the permanent teeth start to develop. If it is it can often lead to discolouration and brown stains later in life. Ask your Merseyside dentist for more advice.

Avoid periodontal disease with help form Kirby dentist

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

Periodontal disease affects gums, bone and the other adjacent tissue in the mouth that gives support to the teeth. Although 90% of adults in the UK will suffer some gum disease at some point in their lives, only around 10% of those will develop the more serious periodontitis. Caused by bacteria collecting in the mouth, periodontal disease attacks the tissue of the gums and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.

There are several risk factors that affect how likely someone is to suffer from periodontal disease. Stress, family history and smoking are all high risk factors and general health disease like diabetes may make you more susceptible also. The common signs of periodontal disease are gums that bleed and look inflamed. In some cases you may notice a drifting or mobility of the teeth but it is possible to have the disease and not notice any of the symptoms. This is just one of the reasons why it is important to keep up regular check up appointments with a Kirby dentist.

Your dentist will be able to carry out a thorough check for the signs and symptoms of gum disease, including taking x-rays. If you are suffering then they will carry out a thorough clean of your teeth to remove as much bacteria as possible. They may also have to treat the inflamed areas of the gums. In some severe cases it may be necessary to undergo a course of antibiotics and even possible tissue removal.

The key to avoiding periodontal disease is effective teeth cleaning. Good brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as the watchful eye of a Kirby dentist will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Reverse your gum disease at Wirral dentist

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Gum disease is a very common condition in the UK. It is estimated that 90 per cent of adults in the UK will suffer from it at some point. About one in ten people will suffer from the more severe form of the disease, periodontitis. However, it is important to remember that gum disease is reversible with the right treatment and the right attitude to do something about it.

Gum disease can be very unpleasant, making eating and drinking a painful experience. It can also result in bleeding of the gums, which isn’t exactly the most attractive look to have. Many people who have gum disease think that they just have to live with it and don’t attempt to make the condition go away. But gum disease can be relatively easily treated and by making just a few changes to your lifestyle you can help to keep it away for good. There is no reason why anybody has to accept that gum disease is just an inevitable fact of aging or why they should have to alter their life to accommodate it.

Although gums do become slightly more at risk with age, they can still be kept clean and disease free for as long as you live. The first thing to do if you think you have inflamed gums is to visit a Wirral dentist. They will be able to offer you advice on how to deal with the problem and also make sure that the disease isn’t serious enough to require more immediate treatment.

Improved tooth brushing and flossing are the most effective ways to beat gum disease. Gentle brushing with an appropriate brush will stimulate the gums and flossing helps to reduce the inflammation around the base of the teeth. This may initially cause some bleeding but this will pass after a couple of days as the gums recede and heal.