Gum disease affects more than half of all adults in the UK at any one time – and every adult is expected to experience it at least once. With this in mind, it’s worth knowing both how to spot the signs and how to prevent them appearing in the first place. Here, we outline the essential facts to be aware of:
What should you look out for?
The first stages of gum disease are characterised either by red and swollen gums or by gums that bleed after brushing or flossing your teeth. If left untreated, symptoms may progress to the following:
- halitosis
- gum abscesses
- loss of teeth
- receding gums
- ulcers
If you spot any of the above symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your dentist immediately. Here at One 80, we are lucky to have Julie Rosse, our resident dental hygienist, who will assess your periodontal health and advise you about any potential problems.
How can you prevent gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque in the teeth, which then irritates your gums.
As with almost all dental problems, prevention is key. This means following a good oral hygiene routine, keeping your teeth in optimum health and plaque at a minimum so that gum disease has a much lower chance of taking hold.
To ensure that your risk of gum disease is kept low, you should be brushing your teeth twice daily. This should be done thoroughly and should incorporate the use of floss or interdental brushes – these will help flush out any debris from food which may hide by the gums. Regular visits to the dentist will also ensure that they can spot the potential for gum disease before it takes hold and causes serious damage to your teeth.
If you would like to find out more, please call One80Dental on 01143503180 to speak to a member of our team.
