La Retraite Jersey Dental Care
Gum Disease Management
The health of your whole body is dependent on the health of your gums.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Gum Disease, or Periodontitis, is one of the most wide-spread diseases in the world but one that you may be unaware of without a careful examination by a dental professional.
We routinely screen your gum health during an examination. If we detect a gum problem, we will help you understand the extent of it and suggest the best approach to manage it.
Gum disease is not usually painful and in the early stages, if it is detected and managed appropriately, it is usually reversible. This stage is called gingivitis.
More advanced gum disease is irreversible and although it can usually be managed, it cannot be cured. This stage is called periodontitis.
It is caused by bacteria in plaque at the gum line and some people are more susceptible than others for a number of reasons.
Warning signs that you may have gum disease can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Gaps such as ‘black triangles’ appearing between teeth
- Loose or drifting teeth
- Shrinking gums
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
The possible consequences of untreated gum disease are destruction of the bone of the jaw supporting your teeth roots, and ultimately, tooth loss.
Additionally, there are strong links between unhealthy gums and diseases affecting the whole body such as:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
There is also emerging evidence for links to a multitude of other conditions such as strokes, lung disease and kidney disease.
Gum disease is beaten in the bathroom
“Gum disease is beaten in the bathroom” is a phrase that is often used but holds true.
Effective management of gum disease will depend on a high level of commitment and motivation from you to achieve gold standard oral hygiene. We will support you, identify risk factors that you can control and formulate a structured care plan to try and stabilise active disease.
Close cooperation and regular visits with our excellent hygienists are usually a core part of treatment.
Further, evidence based information on gum disease can be found here.
The relationship between gum disease and pregnancy can be found here.