Gum Health & Fresh Breath

What is the perfect accessory for a Confident Smile?

It’s all about having a Fresh Breath. Together your Smile and your Fresh Breath WILL get you noticed and you WILL be remembered for all the right reasons.

So how can you achieve this perfect match? Remember to take regular and good care of both your teeth and your gum health with the help of your friendly hygienist or dentist at Highworth Dental Care in Swindon.

To discover more about the effects of gum disease and how to achieve a fresh breath via effective oral treatment, please read through the following FAQ’s.

What is gum disease?

Symptoms include swelling, soreness or infection of the tissue supporting your teeth. Gingivitis and periodontal disease, a common cause of tooth loss in adults, are the two main forms of gum disease. Meaning inflammation of the gum, gingivitis appears as very red and swollen gums around your teeth, perhaps with some bleeding when you brush. Untreated gingivitis may lead to periodontal disease which affects the supporting teeth. When left to worsen, the disease will loosen the teeth as the anchoring bone is lost. If untreated you may even suffer tooth loss.

What causes gum disease?

Plaque. This film of bacteria forms on the surface of your teeth and gums daily. Most plaque bacteria are safe however some can cause gum disease. Brush and floss each day to remove all the plaque on your teeth, to prevent gum disease and poor oral health.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Initial signs include: blood on your toothbrush, in your teeth rinsing water, gum bleeds when you eat, and bad breath.

What should I do if I show signs of gum disease?

Make an appointment with your dentist to undergo a thorough dental check-up of your teeth and gums. From this examination your dentist can determine any early signs of periodontal disease. Teeth measurements and x-rays may be taken to asses how much bone that has been lost. A detailed assessment will allow for the correct treatment of your condition.

How can my gum disease be treated?

Your first treatment will involve a thorough cleaning. Then over a number of sessions with your hygienist or dentist who will share general dentistry advice, you will be shown how to effectively remove plaque and how to correctly clean all the surfaces of your teeth.

What further treatments may be required?

Root planing which requires the treatment area to be numbed will ensure the removal of any remaining bacteria.

What if I neglect to treat gum disease?

Symptoms include: sore gums, gum abscesses, pus oozing from around the teeth, and tooth loss. Ignoring the disease may lead to future treatment being more difficult.

Remember to remove plaque every day, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis.

What is bad breath?

Known as oral malodour or halitosis, bad breath is made up of several gases produced by excess bacteria. Forming an unpleasant and sometime offensive odour you can lessen the problem by brushing your teeth using an alcohol-free mouthwash such as Dentyl pH.

Where does it come from?

A common condition, bad breath originates in the oral cavity. Research indicates that 55% to 65% of people have chronic halitosis and up to 95% of the population suffer at one time or another.

What is the cause?

Bad breath is mainly caused by a build up of bacteria when you fail to clean your whole mouth daily and carefully. Bad breath can also be caused by illness, low fluid intake, stress, lack of salivary flow and exercise.

How do I know if I have bad breath?

Ask your partner, a family member or a close friend. One simple way to check is to lick your wrist starting at the back of the tongue, and wiping the inner wrist to the tip. Let the saliva dry for 10 seconds then smell the area for any unpleasant odours.

Why do I still have bad breath even though I brush my teeth daily?

This could be a sign of gum disease. Generally people who suffer with gum disease have a higher level of bad breath. Check your gums for redness, swelling or bleed when you brush, floss or clean with interdental brushes. If unsure visit your hygienist or dentist.

 

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