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. These include:
•  Smoking (possibly including e-cigarettes)
•  Poor oral hygiene (brushing and flossing)
•  Diabetes (especially if poorly controlled)
•  Stress

A poor diet lacking in vitamins and minerals and obesity
Periodontal disease is usually pain-free (sometimes called ‘the silent disease’) and so you may be unaware of it until your dentist or hygienist checks for it.

Symptoms you may notice that should raise concerns

•  Bleeding gums when brushing or even whilst eating
•  Red, swollen gums
•  Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
•  Spaces appearing between teeth
•  Loose teeth or teeth moving position in the mouth
•  Receding gums
•  Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks

Smoking Considerations

If you smoke or vape you should do your best to give up – your dentist, GP or pharmacist can help. If you continue to smoke you are more likely to get gum disease, gum disease gets worse quickly and are more likely to have a recurrence of gum disease following treatment.

Treatment

Treatment aims to reduce bacteria around your teeth and prevent the disease from getting worse. Treatment cannot replace the support your teeth have already lost. You will be taught the best methods of cleaning 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 inter-dental 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.
The tartar above the gum-line can be removed by a dentist/hygienist. Any bacteria below the gum line can be removed by a dentist/hygienist deep cleaning your teeth. You can ask for an injection to numb if you prefer. You should consider referral to a private periodontal specialist if your gum disease is not improving but this may be expensive.

What are the benefits of treatment?

Your gums will be healthier and you may notice such benefits as a greater confidence of a fresher mouth, gums not being sore or bleeding when you brush and teeth becoming less wobbly with less discomfort when you eat. Ultimately, you will keep your teeth for longer! Success depends on how well you clean your teeth.

What can you expect after treatment?

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 sensitivity toothpaste or have other treatment to help with this.

Results of no treatment

Gum disease is likely to get worse. Your teeth could become wobbly with gaps appearing between your teeth. Your breath will not improve. Your gums and teeth could become painful. You are highly likely to lose your teeth sooner.
Removal (extraction) of teeth may be an acceptable treatment if your disease is severe. You may wish to have replacements for lost teeth by means of a denture, bridge or an implant. Implants are only recommended if the gum disease is no longer present.
You must return regularly for check-ups (at least twice a year) even after successful treatment for gum disease or you risk these problems returning or becoming worse.