Gum disease advice

Recognising
gum disease

With more than 45% of adults in the UK suffering from some form of gum disease, many of you will recognise some of the initial symptoms, perhaps without even realising that it is gum disease that is affecting you. It’s extremely important, not only for your oral health, but your general health too, that you seek the advice from your periodontist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms we will explore below. If periodontal disease is identified in its early stages, it is easily treatable. If it is ignored, the disease can quickly progress and it becomes irreversible, often needing surgical intervention.

Gum disease typically can be classified into four distinct stages, from gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease. However, there are some common symptoms of gum disease which span all four stages and may indicate that you are suffering with the disease. Let’s take a closer look a these below.

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What is gum disease?

Bleeding gums

Any patient suffering from sore or bleeding gums will no doubt be distressed by the experience. It’s uncomfortable and unpleasant, which is why Pure Periodontics is dedicated to helping their patient’s prevent bleeding gums. It is important to remember that oral health doesn’t start and end with the teeth themselves. The surrounding tissue is also subject to infection and disease as well. If not properly cared for, gums can cause considerable irritation to anyone unlucky enough to find them inflamed.

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Swollen gums

Swelling in your gums typically begins where the gum meets the tooth. If the swelling is severe, however, the gums may begin to hide parts of your teeth and protrude or bulge outwards. Swollen gums often appear red instead of a healthy pink colour.

Also referred to as gingival swelling, swollen gums can often feel sensitive, painful and irritated. You may also experience bleeding gums when brushing or flossing your teeth.

Bad breath (halitosis)

Halitosis, or bad breath, can be one of the early warning signs of gum disease, caused by a build-up of plaque along the gum line. If this plaque isn’t effectively removed, the gums can become swollen and infected, two of the symptoms of gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease.

Receding gums

Gum recession is a term to simply describe a process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or tooth root. When gum recession occurs pockets form between the teeth and gum line, making it easier for bacteria to build up.

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Loose teeth & missing teeth

The loosening or movement of the teeth can often be a sign of rapidly progressing gum disease, or periodontitis. This occurs due to bacteria destroying the bone tissue that once firmly attached the teeth to the jawbone. If you feel like your teeth are loosening, it’s imperative that you seek the care from a periodontist in order to prevent complete loss of the teeth.

Tooth sensitivity

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink hot, cold or sweet food, it could suggest you’re suffering with gum disease. The sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth called the tentin becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue. The receding gums, creating periodontal pockets, expose the roots of the teeth which contain thousands of tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve centre. It is these tubules that are responsible for the pain you may be feeling.

If you have any of these symptoms, visit your dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and advice. Or call us on 020 3925 1938 to speak to our friendly team or fill out our contact form.

Recognising gum disease