Advanced Gum Disease and Bad Breath Treatments

Wansbeck House Dental Spa Sadly, most people underestimate how serious gum disease can be. Bleeding gums are widely accepted by many patients! We would be alarmed if we saw bleeding from below our fingernails when washing our hands wouldn’t we? Well, bleeding gums are serious too! Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing indicate an underlying gum problem, which usually requires treatment to prevent the disease spreading.

Gum disease is more prevalent than the common cold. More than 75% of the population suffer from gum disease at some point in their life, but most people are completely unaware they have the disease! Unfortunately, by the time some realise they have a problem, it is too late, and teeth can be lost to gum disease rapidly.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque within our mouths. The bacteria produce poisons and toxins that destroy the gum and bone holding our teeth in place. Left untreated, this eventually leads to loose teeth which can fall out, or need removing due to pain and infection.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Wansbeck House Dental Spa If you have not been seen by a dentist as well as a hygienist for a year or more, chances are you have some form of the disease. Some people have a quick clean with their dentist, but not all plaque deposits, and therefore not all the harmful bacteria are removed, allowing the gum disease to still progress!

Though not everyone has symptoms, some common problems are:

Bleeding gums when brushing
Unsightly yellow/brown staining on your teeth
Red, swollen, sore gums
Sensitive teeth
Persistent bad breath
Bad taste around your mouth
Teeth with advanced gum disease can look unsightly. Teeth can become loose and drift into awkward positions

Regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are essential if you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid a full set of dentures!

Is gum disease treatment painful?

No! Not at all! Many patients have come to us having had a bad experience with painful hygiene treatments! There is no reason why the treatment should be painful. We can give you anaesthetic so you do not feel a thing! Our patients have been extremely comfortable whilst having their gum disease treated. Most have been enjoying a film on our DVD glasses whilst the hygienists work hard to save their teeth! Our patients love coming to see our hygienists!

What does the gum disease treatment involve?

We offer a wide range of gum treatments at Wansbeck Dental Spa and Implant Clinic. Dr Varaich and the hygiene team plan a tailored treatment depending on the state of the disease in your mouth, so that we are providing you with the best treatment possible, and the best chance of saving your teeth.

In some advanced cases, laser treatment and/or antibiotics can also used to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.

How serious is gum disease?

Wansbeck House Dental Spa Gum disease is much more serious than we originally thought! As well as the loss of your natural teeth, gum disease can have some serious effects on your general health!

Recent studies have shown that:

Gum disease sufferers are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease
Those with existing heart disease are at an even higher risk of worsening their heart condition if the gum disease is left untreated
There are links between gum disease and strokes
Diabetics are more at risk of gum disease
Pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to have a premature low birth weight baby
Bacteria in gum disease can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract affecting patients with respiratory diseases
There is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw
Links exist between gum disease and Alzheimer’s

I’m registered with another dentist. Can I still have my gum disease treated with you?

Here at Wansbeck Dental Spa and Implant Clinic we are happy to accept referrals from other dentists to treat your gum disease, and you can still remain registered with your own dentist. Ask your dentist to refer you to Wansbeck Dental Spa and Implant Clinic by either telephoning us at the practice, or sending a referral on our website.

I’m worried I may have Gum Disease! What shall I do?

Call and book a consultation immediately! Gum disease can progress rapidly, and destroy the gum and bone keeping your teeth in place, which never grows back! Don’t delay saving your teeth!