Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
Healthy gums are important to your oral health as well as your general health and wellbeing. Poor gum hygiene can lead to infections, swelling, bleeding and may even result in the loss of your natural teeth.
Gum disease occurs in two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. You may have gingivitis if you experience bleeding from the gums or notice that your gums appear red and inflamed. While this can be treated using dentist approved products, you may need to visit Etwall Dental Practice for a check-up.
Your dentist will clean the gums by removing plaque build-up, however, if it is more severe, they may need to scale the tooth’s surface and gum line. Our hygienist can also perform this cleaning technique.
Periodontitis occurs when gum disease is left untreated and may require specialist treatment to preserve the gum, the jawbone and your natural teeth.
How does gum disease occur?
In general, gum disease indicates a poor oral health care routine. It is caused by a build-up of plaque on the gums, leaving them vulnerable to bacteria and infection.
Gum disease can also be exasperated by:
To avoid gum disease, it is important to brush twice daily and to floss your teeth regularly. We can advise you on certain mouthwashes or pastes that could help prevent gum disease.
To book your appointment, please click here or call us on 01283 733391.
Gingivitis is the earliest and milder stage of gum disease, characterised by red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. At this stage the infection has not spread to the bone, meaning it is often reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated. The infection spreads below the gumline, damaging the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place, and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Our team at Etwall Dental Practice will assess the stage of your gum disease and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.
Yes, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. In its earliest form, gingivitis affects only the gum tissue and is treatable. However, if left to progress into periodontitis, the infection begins to destroy the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth. Over time this causes teeth to loosen and eventually fall out or require extraction. The good news is that early intervention can stop the disease from advancing. Regular check-ups and professional cleaning at Etwall Dental Practice are the most effective way to protect your teeth from gum-disease-related tooth loss.
Common warning signs include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, gums that appear red, swollen or tender, persistent bad breath, gums that seem to be pulling away from the teeth, and teeth that feel loose. However, gum disease can sometimes develop without obvious pain, particularly in its earlier stages. The best way to determine whether you have gum disease is to attend a dental check-up, where your dentist or hygienist will carry out a thorough examination and measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth.
Yes, there is a well-established body of evidence linking gum disease to a range of systemic health conditions. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body. Gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and premature birth. Conditions such as diabetes can also make gum disease worse, creating a two-way relationship that makes it especially important for those with existing health conditions to maintain good gum health. Treating gum disease at Etwall Dental Practice may therefore benefit more than just your smile.
A routine hygiene appointment typically involves removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and just above the gumline. Scaling, and the more intensive procedure known as root planing or debridement, goes deeper. Your hygienist or dentist removes hardened deposits from below the gumline and from the tooth roots, where bacteria are actively driving the gum disease process. This is often carried out under local anaesthetic for comfort. If your gum disease is more advanced, multiple appointments may be needed. Our team at Etwall Dental Practice will always tailor treatment to the severity of your condition.
Whether gum disease can be reversed depends on how advanced it is. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, the condition is fully reversible. A professional clean to remove plaque and tartar, combined with an improved brushing and flossing routine at home, can return the gums to good health. Periodontitis, the more advanced stage, cannot be fully reversed because destroyed bone and tissue do not regenerate without specialist intervention. However, it can be effectively controlled. Treatment from our team at Etwall Dental Practice, along with consistent home care and regular maintenance appointments, can stabilise the condition and prevent further deterioration.
