Swindon dentists help patients reverse their gum disease with immediate action
Gum disease affects a great number of adults in the United Kingdom, many of whom are not even aware that they have the condition. If it is caught early and dealt with then it is not a big deal and your mouth can easily return to excellent health, but failure to do so can have difficult and painful consequences for the health of your mouth. Understanding what causes gum disease is helpful in attempting to beat the condition. Just like your teeth, gums need to be kept free from plaque. This acidic substance that is formed when we eat and drink, causes gums to become inflamed. Early stages of inflammation are known clinically as gingivitis. This is where your gums start to become a little redder and might be slightly sensitive either when you are brushing or eating or drinking things that are extreme temperatures. The good news is that even if gingivitis has taken hold, it is easy to reverse the effects. If your Swindon dentist determines that you have gingivitis he or she will usually simply advise you to tighten up your home routine of looking after your mouth. It might be that you need to brush more effectively or get into the habit of flossing. In some cases a course of antibiotics is prescribed. Either of these measures will usually be enough to get your mouth back to rude health. The alternative to sorting out gingivitis is allowing it to progress into periodontitis. This most advanced form of gum disease is extremely painful, will require treatment and is best avoided. In such cases the inflammation spreads to the bones in your jaw that hold your teeth in place. Tooth loss becomes a real possibility as your gums begin to recede dangerously.Tags: gingivitis, gum disease