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Gum Disease

If your gums are bleeding, receding or your teeth feel loose, do not ignore it

Gum Disease Mark Tangri Dental Excellence

Protect your oral health with expert diagnosis and treatment of gum disease at every stage.
Our specialist care helps prevent tooth loss and restore healthy gums for a confident smile.

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possible causes

Who Can Get Gum Disease?

Most people can get mild gum disease but some people are susceptible to more aggressive forms. Severe gum disease, especially if you have it at a young age, can run in families. There are a few factors that put people at higher risk of getting severe gum disease.

  • Diabetes (especially if poorly controlled)
  • Smoking (possibly including e-cigarettes)
  • Stress
  • A poor diet lacking in vitamins and minerals
  • Obesity
  • Certain medications
Gum Disease Mark Tangri Dental Excellence

it's never to late

Signs you should not ignore

Gum disease is common, but it should never be dismissed. In some people it progresses quietly until bone is lost, teeth become mobile and confidence starts to fall. The earlier it is treated, the more we can protect.

  • Bleeding when brushing
  • Red, swollen or bleeding gums
  • Bad breath that persists
  • Receding gums
  • Teeth that feel longer, looser or different
  • A family history of gum disease
  • Smoking, diabetes or other health factors that increase risk​

Long-Term Stability

Our approach

We assess the gums, bone support, pockets, inflammation and long-term stability of the mouth. From there, we explain whether you need non-surgical treatment, a more advanced surgical approach, or a maintenance-led pathway.

The aim is not simply to clean teeth. The aim is to stabilise disease and protect your future.

No Judgement

Calm specialist care

Many patients with gum disease feel embarrassed or blame themselves. There is no place for that here. We focus on understanding, treatment and long-term improvement.

FAQs

Clear answers about gum desease.

Ask your dentist to explain this, in particular in relation to your own BPE score. Your BPE score is a measure of your gum health and should be a standard part of your routine dental examination.

Please make sure you tell your dentist about any problems with your health and about any tablets or medicines you are taking. Some medical conditions may change the way your dentist/hygienist manages your disease and some medication may change the appearance of your gums.

Treatment aims to reduce bacteria around your teeth and prevent the disease from getting worse. Generally though, treatment cannot replace the support your teeth have already lost.

  • You will be taught the best methods of cleaning your teeth and gums to remove dental plaque. Treatment will only work if you clean your teeth properly, twice a day, to a high standard.
  • You need to clean daily between your teeth with interdental brushes – or floss if the gaps between teeth are too tight for brushes.
  • You should use a small headed toothbrush or a good quality power brush – your dentist can advise you.
  • The tartar above the gum-line can be removed by your dentist/hygienist.
  • Any bacteria below the gum line can be removed by your dentist/hygienist deep cleaning your teeth. You can ask for an injection to make your gums and teeth numb if you prefer.
  • Mouthwashes may help with very mild gum disease but may mask more serious gum disease.
  • Your gums are likely to bleed more to start with – don’t worry and keep cleaning as this is normal and will improve.
  • As they become healthier your gums may shrink. Spaces may appear between the teeth and they may appear longer.
  • As gums shrink, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet  things. Usually this gets better in a few weeks, but you might need to use a special sensitivity toothpaste or have other treatment to help with this.

Removal (extraction) of teeth may be an acceptable alternative treatment if your disease is severe.

  • You may wish to have replacements for any lost teeth by means of a denture,   bridge or an implant. Implants are only recommended if the gum disease is no longer present.
  • People find it easier and more enjoyable to eat with natural teeth rather than replacements.
  • Extractions would reduce the time spent treating your gums. An extraction would remove a painful tooth quickly.
  • If your front teeth have a poor appearance, a denture or a bridge may look better.

If you smoke tobacco you should do your best to give up, there are plenty of organisations that can help. Smokers who continue to smoke:

  • Are more likely to get gum disease.
  • May find their gum disease gets worse quite quickly and are less likely to get better after treatment.
  • Are more likely to have a recurrence of gum disease following treatment.

Tooth decay cannot occur if you:

  • Prevent High Sugar intake.
  • Brushing and flossing teeth properly prevents bacteria causing tooth decay.
  • Regular teeth cleaning and excellent oral hygiene doesn’t give bacteria time to cause decay.