We have all heard the term ‘gum disease,’ but for those who lead a busy life, oral health can fall to the back of the queue; there’s always something more pressing that needs your attention! Who has the time to be thinking about gum disease?!

Gum disease can have serious consequences to your health, stretching beyond the loss of teeth or the cause of bad breath. The NHS reports that gum disease may increase your risk of a variety of other health complications including stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

So, what is gum disease and what can you do to prevent it?

Let’s break it down…

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by the build-up of dental plaque on your teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky substance produced by the things we do every day, such as eating and drinking. This dental plaque accumulates over time and the bacteria living within it leads to inflammation of the gums, resulting in gum disease. If it feels fuzzy, like an extra layer over those pearly whites, you’ve got dental plaque!

Do I Have Gum Disease?

At first, gum disease may not have any visible symptoms. But there are some early signs to look out for:

• Bleeding gums (especially when brushing)
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose, or wobbly, teeth
• Receding gum line(s)
• Sore, swollen gums

Take Action to Prevent Gum Disease!

Although dental plaque occurs naturally, by making a conscious effort to upgrade your oral hygiene you can prevent gum disease. Here’s how:

1 – Brush your teeth twice a day. Don’t forget about your back teeth when brushing – they’re likely to have more plaque on them as they can be hard-to-reach.

2 – Clean between your teeth. A toothbrush cleans only 70% of your teeth, it is very important to use your interdental aids like floss or interdental brushes on a daily basis.

3 – Change your toothbrush every three months. Frayed bristles don’t clean away plaque effectively. There are many other reasons you must change your toothbrush regularly. To find out more on this topic, you can read our blog here.

4 – Use fluoride toothpaste. Brushing your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease, as well as tooth decay. Look for toothpastes which contain fluoride. Our team are happy to recommend toothpastes to you at your next appointment.

5 – Visit the Dentist and Hygienist often. Early signs of gum disease may be hard to spot with the naked eye, but your dentist will spot it easily. The earlier it’s spotted, the better! The longer gum disease is left to develop, the greater the risk to your health. If you want your smile to stand the test of time, you must take your oral hygiene seriously and attend regular dental appointments.

If you feel your oral hygiene is no longer a priority, book an appointment with our friendly team today. Our treatments range from routine scaling and polishing, to plaque removal and to more extensive treatment of gum disease, where required. Whatever your needs, Esthetique Dental can devise a personalised treatment plan for you click here to find out more.