Your gums are vitally important to the health and longevity of your teeth, that’s why treating signs of gum disease as soon as they arise is the key to good oral health.

Lots of patients ignore redness and bleeding of gums, hoping such problems will resolve on their own. However, these symptoms are the first signs of gum disease and should not be left untreated.

Gum disease is detected by inflammation of the gums, redness in colour and bleeding after brushing or flossing. Healthy gums look pink and are firm to the touch.

At Royal Wharf Dental, we pay careful attention to the health of your gums and clean the gum line thoroughly to remove the build-up of plaque or harmful bacteria. Our dentist or one of our hygienists can provide further advice and tips around caring for your gums.

Why does gum disease occur?

There are a number of reasons people develop gum disease and we have listed a few below:

Poor hygiene is the main factor causing gum disease, as plaque builds up on the gum line causing inflammation, redness and soreness
Patients who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease
Diseases such as diabetes can make patients more prone to experiencing gum disease
Certain medications can affect the health of gums and heighten the likelihood of gum disease

Gum disease occurs in two stages. The first is gingivitis which can be managed at home through the use of dentist-approved products and an enhanced cleaning routine. The second is periodontitis which needs attention from a dental professional – this disease occurs gradually and can hopefully be stopped before becoming too severe.

If you are experiencing signs of gum disease, please come in to see one of our helpful team.