Information

Gum Disease

It often surprises people that more teeth are lost through gum disease than tooth decay.

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that invade the gums. Initially just the tips of the gums will be affected. For reasons we don’t fully understand the infection can then spread more deeply affecting the bone that supports the tooth. Not all teeth will be affected. Deeper stages of gum disease tends to affect people after 30 to 40yrs of age. A few people are prone to gum disease from much younger. People who smoke or are diabetic are more vulnerable to gum disease.

Initially gum disease can be painless and difficult to detect.

The most common signs are bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, or bad breath.

Other signs can be red swollen gums and loose or moving teeth.

Healthy gums do not bleed when cleaned.

Inflammation of the tips of the gums is reversible.

The later stages can often be treated but are not completely reversible.

For further information please ask for our more detailed pamphlet on gum disease, or speak to a member of staff.

Information

Gum Disease

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