Have you noticed spots of blood when you brush your teeth in the morning or do your gums feel sore or swollen? If so, you may have gum disease. Gum disease is a common oral health problem, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. At Harley Street Dental Studio, we have a team of experienced dentists and hygienists on hand to tackle gum disease and put a smile back on your face again.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is the most common cause of premature tooth loss in UK adults. Although mild gum disease is relatively easy to manage, this is a condition that can progress quickly. Severe gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, affects the bone tissue that supports the teeth, causing the teeth to come loose. Gum disease is often a result of poor oral hygiene, which causes plaque and tartar to collect in the mouth. When bacteria in plaque feed, they release acids, which irritate the gums, causing them to become painful and inflamed. Smoking is also a risk factor for gum disease.

Spotting the warning signs

It’s really important to be aware of the symptoms and signs of gum disease, so that you can seek assistance at a stage when it’s possible to remedy the problem quickly. Symptoms include:

• Swelling and inflammation
• Soreness
• Increased redness
• Bleeding gums (usually most noticeable when you brush your teeth)

If you notice any of these signs, contact us and we’ll arrange an appointment as quickly as possible.

How we can help

We have many years of experience in treating and managing gum disease. In cases of mild gum disease, we recommend good oral hygiene at home, and we may also suggest seeing a hygienist on a regular basis. In the case of more advanced symptoms, we recommend frequent trips to the hygienist for treatments such as scale and polish and sometimes, root planing. We also suggest improving your home oral hygiene routine, and we’re on hand to offer tips and advice. We can also help with giving up smoking. In the most serious cases, surgery may be required. If a tooth is lost, we can also talk through some tooth replacement options with you. Whatever the situation, we’re here to tackle pain, and hopefully, restore your smile and your confidence.