Protect your gums from disease at a Surbiton dentist

Gum disease is extremely common in the UK, affecting roughly three quarters of all adults above the age of 35. This shocking statistic is backed up by another one in the fact that gum disease, not tooth decay, is responsible for more lost teeth in the UK. These are worrying facts and made all the more concerning that gum disease is becoming more common among younger patients, especially teenagers who are not cleaning their teeth sufficiently.

There are two types of gum disease that are categorised by the severity of the symptoms. Gingivitis is the milder form of the disease characterised by irritated or sore gums, and in some cases, bleeding gums. This can mostly be addressed by improved cleaning methods, which will prevent any further damage. However, if gingivitis is left to worsen and not addressed by attention from the dentist and improved cleaning, it will become periodontitis which is a much more serious concern. Periodontitis has symptoms ranging from infected tissue, receding gums and loose teeth. It needs to be treated with special medical attention that can include anti-biotics to kill the infection and even hospitalisation in severe cases.

If gum disease is not spotted early by a Surbiton dentist and treated accordingly it can result in tooth loss, and with nearly half the people in the UK over the age of 45 having lost at least one tooth it is clear that we may not be taking the threat seriously enough.

The message is clear. To protect our gums and teeth we must do more to keep them healthy by cleaning them properly and keeping up regular appointments at the dentist.