Gum disease
A hidden problem
Gum disease is a very common condition, yet people are often unaware they have it.
Early diagnosis can make a big difference, so it's important you recognise the signs
and know what to do about them.
Our Mouth Gallery can help you identify gum problems. If you do spot signs of gum
disease, please visit your dentist.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds
up on, and in between, your teeth. If left unchecked, plaque will irritate the gums
leading to redness and soreness. If allowed to continue, gum disease can cause serious
problems. The gum may start to come away from the tooth, creating 'pockets' around
it where even more plaque can grow. Over time, these pockets deepen, gums continue
to recede and teeth can become loose.
There are two main forms of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis: This is an inflammation of your gums. They will become
red and swollen and may bleed when you brush. If left untreated gingivitis can lead
to periodontitis.
Periodontitis: This is when the bacterial plaque destroys the gums,
soft tissue and eventually the bones that hold your teeth, causing them to become
loose.
If periodontitis is not treated, your teeth may become loose and have to be removed
or they may fall out on their own. In fact, gum disease is a main reason people
lose their teeth. Once gum disease gets to this stage, it can't be reversed but
you can help to prevent it from getting any worse with the help of your dentist
or hygienist and by improving the way you look after your teeth and gums.
Ulcers
Although not specifically a gum disease, ulcers are a very common and painful complaint
that can occur on your gums, as well as on your tongue, the inside of your lips
and cheeks, or on the floor of your mouth. See our Mouth Gallery to identify which
type you may have.
Gum disease: The facts
- 83% of people show signs of gum disease.
- Gum disease, is a main cause of tooth loss.
- Once your gum has receded, it won't grow back.
- Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.
- Likelihood of advanced gum disease generally increases with age.
Mouth Gallery
-
Healthy gums
- No traces of blood following flossing or eating, or in your spit when you brush.
- Pink, tight gums
- Teeth firmly attached to the gums
- Gums form high arcs on teeth
-
Gingivitis: early signs
- Regularly spitting blood when brushing your teeth, or notice blood when flossing
or eating.
- Red gums, slightly swollen
-
Gingivitis
- Regular bleeding when you brush your teeth, or notice blood when flossing or eating.
- Red, swollen gums
- White or yellow plaque deposits where the gum meets the tooth
- Teeth can be sensitive where the gum has begun to recede
Symptoms shouldn't be ignored. If you have the signs or symptoms listed you should
consult your dentist or hygienist.
-
Periodontitis
- Red, swollen gums
- Teeth look long where the gum has receded
- Gums bleed without being touched
Symptoms shouldn't be ignored. If you have the signs or symptoms listed you should
consult your dentist or hygienist.
-
Minor Ulcer
- Round or oval shaped
- Small 2-8 mm in diameter
- White, yellow or grey
- Normally heals naturally in 10 to 14 days
-
Major Ulcer
- Larger than minor ulcers, ≥1 cm in diameter
- Raised or irregular border
- Normally take several weeks to heal
-
Herpetiform Ulcer
- Multiple pinhead sores up to 100 in number
- Can blend together to form a large sore
- Extremely painful
Visit your doctor if you have ulcers that get progressively more painful and inflamed,
if your ulcers last for more than 3 weeks, or if you are getting ulcers regularly.
Gum Disease Treatment
If you think you might be suffering from gum disease - what should you do?
- Visit your dentist. Tell them your symptoms and ask for their advice.
Through a process known as 'scaling' they can often reduce the amount of plaque
which soothes irritated gums. They will also show you how to remove plaque effectively
by yourself.
- Use a treatment product containing chlorhexidine. Clinically proven
to fight plaque, this active ingredient can be found in all of Corsodyl's treatment
range.
If you don't have any of the symptoms of gum disease then you're lucky! To keep your gums in good condition it's important that you continue to take steps to protect them.
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Are you at risk?
Certain groups of people, such as those who are pregnant, tend to have a greater chance of developing gum disease, and so need to take extra care.
Surveys indicate that the incidence of periodontal disease increases with age, therefore
as we get older we need to take extra care.
People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without it.
This is probably because diabetics are more likely to get infections in general.
People who do not know they have diabetes, or whose diabetes is not under control,
are especially at risk.
People who smoke are more likely to have plaque, which can lead to gum disease.
The gums are affected more as smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream
so infected gums fail to heal. Smoking also weakens the body's defence mechanisms,
making the gums more susceptible to infection.
Certain groups of people, such as those who are pregnant, tend to have a greater chance of developing gum disease, and so need to take extra care.
Stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight gum disease and may also
cause people to engage in habits that can lead to gum disease such as smoking and
forgetting to clean teeth properly.
If you have dentures you need to ensure that you clean your remaining natural teeth
and your denture thoroughly. The surface material of your denture, combined with
the warmth of your mouth, can be an ideal environment for plaque bacteria to grow.
Research shows that removable partial dentures can cause an increase in the accumulation
of plaque bacteria on the remaining teeth which could lead to gum disease.