Also known as advanced gum disease, periodontal disease is a serious oral health condition that can go on to cause multiple problems with your wider health if left untreated. It’s one of the most widespread diseases worldwide, and here in the UK, it’s the no.1 reason for tooth loss in adults. The good news is, with regular periodontal care from a knowledgeable and experienced team (like us here at one80 Dental), it’s possible to stop periodontal disease in its tracks and aim to stop or reverse any damage that has been done.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
One of the most notable points about gum disease is that it can often be symptomless until it reaches the advanced stage known as periodontal disease. Some of the warning signs of periodontal disease include:
- Chronic bad breath.
- Loose teeth.
- Pain in your mouth.
- Tender, red and swollen gums.
- Receding gums.
- Bleeding when flossing and brushing.
- Changes in your bite (how your teeth come together).
Why is caring for my gum health important?
Without good periodontal (gum) health, your teeth don’t stand much chance of remaining in good condition for the duration of your life. Gums affected by periodontal disease will eventually loosen around the root of a tooth, creating a gum pocket that will become progressively deeper. Eventually, infection and inflammation will cause the tooth to loosen and even fall out.
Whilst attending routine dentist appointments is an essential part of any good oral health routine, regular visits to the hygienist for a routine scale and polish are indispensable, especially if you’re looking to avoid complex periodontal treatment. Here at one80 Dental in Sheffield, our periodontal services team has an impressive breadth of experience, knowledge, and know-how in preventing and treating gum conditions at all stages. With this in mind, even if you are suffering from advanced gum disease, with the help of our team, there is a way back to a healthy mouth.
What to expect from your periodontal consultation at one80 Dental
During your consultation, we will seek to establish a picture of your oral health and lifestyle habits to plan any necessary treatment and intervention accordingly. We will ask you about your:
- Family medical history.
- Personal medical history.
- Diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes.
- Stress levels.
- Smoking and alcohol status.
During a clinical assessment, we will gently probe around your gums to establish the extent of the periodontal disease present and/or need for gum recession treatment. We may also use radiographic investigations to assess the level of periodontal bone support. A periodontal report that highlights the findings from your consultation is put together, and this will also outline the proposed treatment plan to get your gums in a healthy state.
Minimally-invasive approach to periodontics at one80 Dental
Should we find you require surgical methods to control periodontal disease, this will be done with a minimally invasive approach. We employ digital technology at our Sheffield dental practice, which benefits our patients in the following ways:
- Dental procedures can be virtually painless and more efficient.
- Digital images are used throughout the treatment planning phase and allow us to give you a detailed but concise insight into your dental and periodontal health.
- Complex treatment will be diligently planned and with an extremely high level of precision.
Periodontal disease and your general health
There is definitive evidence that links poor periodontal health with other serious diseases, including heart disease.
The plaque that forms on your teeth is the same type of plaque that builds up in your arteries to cause heart disease. Accumulation of plaque in your arteries constricts their walls, restricting blood flow, potentially leading to a life-threatening heart attack. Removing excess plaque on your gum line by visiting a periodontist or hygienist will reduce the chance of it entering your bloodstream and causing such problems.
Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes is also a risk factor for those with significant levels of plaque in the mouth. The bacteria in your mouth break down food particles and turn them into sugar. The more sugary food you eat, the more bacteria will multiply and move further into the gums, leading to infection or advanced gum disease. When this bacteria is allowed to progress, the amount of sugar in your blood increases, causing you to develop diabetes. You can find out more about the close link between diabetes and gum disease on the Diabetes.co.uk website.
There is also strong emerging evidence linking gum disease with a faster decline in Alzheimer’s, though longer studies are currently in development to confirm the certainty of the link.
Why visit a periodontist? Quick-fire recap
- Treat problems like gum recession, which puts teeth unprotected by gum tissue at high risk of cavities.
- Reverse advanced gum disease to reduce your chance of tooth loss and overall health complications.
- Reduce or eliminate pain associated with gum disease.
- Prevent re-infection with repeated courses of advanced periodontal therapy, carried out by an experienced periodontal team.
- Periodontists can identify the best means of tooth replacement for your individual case, including dental implants.
- Improve the overall appearance of your teeth and gums.
- Achieve a healthier bite that will allow you to eat a wider variety of foods without difficulty.
Specialist Referral Centre, support for your dentist
one80 Dental is also a Specialist Referral Centre, which means that our team can work closely with your own dentist to help address your dental concerns, whether you require a simple procedure, or receding gums treatment here in Sheffield. Ask them to give us a call or complete a referral form online, and our team will do the rest. We will keep your dentist regularly updated on your progress, and we will return you to their care once we have completed the work set out in their referral to us.
If you are a current patient of one80 Dental, or you’ve just come across us for the first time and would like to learn more about us, please contact our friendly reception team, who can book you in for a consultation appointment. Look no further than one80 Dental for periodontics treatment in Sheffield.
Did you know? We offer 0% finance on all periodontal treatments. Find out more here.