The best way to maintain healthy gums
January 30, 2023
In an ideal world, gums would be kept healthy to stop conditions, such as gum disease, from developing. Not only does it lead to pain and unpleasant symptoms, but it can put the health and longevity of teeth at risk too.
Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is the antithesis to healthy gums and can lead to mass tooth loss if gum disease treatment is not sought.
So, how do you keep your gums in tip-top condition?
Let the experts at the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr Mervyn Druian and Dr Leonard Fox, explain all.
How to avoid needing gum disease treatment?
The good news is that some of the best ways to keep your gums healthy actually keep your teeth in excellent condition too!
This is because gum disease starts with a build-up of plaque that forms under and along the gum line. Plaque, if on the teeth causes tooth decay, and if left on the gums can cause gingivitis- the earliest form of gum disease.
Gum disease is completely preventable. As such, the best ways to prevent it are:
- Regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste
- Daily flossing
- Annual or bi-annual professional cleans
- Quitting smoking
- Using a specific mouthwash
Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste
Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, or after every meal, if you can, removes the food particles, sugars, and any plaque left behind on the teeth and gums.
This will go some way to removing existing plaque and any residue that can allow new plaque to form.
Fluoridated toothpaste helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthening enamel and slowing its breakdown, and limits the ability for plaque and bacteria to attack your teeth.
Daily flossing
Flossing at least once a day is essential to remove plaque and leftover food or sugar particles, which the toothbrush cannot reach. Removing these tiny particles will stop them from damaging the teeth.
Annual professional cleans
Your dentist can detect the early signs of gum disease far sooner than you will be able to and can remove tartar (hardened plaque) and plaque missed when brushing.
With good dental hygiene and regular dental cleaning, gingivitis (early gum disease) can even be reversed, making visits to your dentist essential for keeping your gums healthy.
Quitting smoking
Not only is it terrible for your general health, but smoking also weakens the immune system and is associated with the onset of gum disease. It also makes fighting gum infections even harder and makes it difficult for gums to heal once they are damaged.
Specific mouthwashes
As opposed to a general mouthwash, some over-the-counter mouthwashes can be used to help fight or reduce specific conditions, including:
- Plaque
- Gingivitis
- Bacteria build-up
Adding a mouthwash to your cleaning routine can bring condition-specific benefits, but if unsure, always ask your dentist.
Do I need gum disease treatment?
For a formal diagnosis, you should always see your dentist, but general early symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods.
- Swollen, red, and sore gums.
- Bad breath despite increasing your oral hygiene.
- Sensitive teeth.
More serious symptoms can include:
- Teeth loosening or falling out.
- Ulcers or red patches in the mouth.
- Lumps in the mouth or on the lips.
- Receding gums.
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule an urgent appointment with your dentist to confirm and start to treat any issues.
Gum disease treatment
If you are worried you may have gum disease, you might be considering gum disease treatment in London.
Our experts, Dr Mervyn Druian and Dr Leonard Fox have decades of experience diagnosing and treating gum disease, with a very high success rate.
At The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, we are passionate about catching and treating gum disease, as bacterial infection can go on to affect your wider health, including developing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Gum disease treatment in London consists of removing bacteria from the infected pockets between the teeth and gums with professional cleaning. This is supported by thorough and frequent check-ups at the practice when we can discuss your personal treatment plan in further detail.
For more information about gum disease treatment in London, you can call us to speak to one of our friendly team, or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can to get your treatment journey underway.