Gum disease is one of those problems that can creep up without making much noise. You might notice a little blood in the sink after brushing, some redness around your teeth or breath that never quite seems fresh. Since these symptoms can be easy to brush off, gum disease may be allowed to progress for some time before a person realises there is a genuine problem.
That does not mean every case of bleeding gums is a sign of serious periodontal disease. However, changes that continue should not be ignored. A specialist examination can establish whether you simply have inflamed gums or whether there is a deeper problem affecting the tissues supporting your teeth.
For anyone looking for gum disease treatment in Harley Street, The Perio Centre provides dedicated support at 107 Harley Street, London, under the care of Dr Simon Stern, a Specialist Periodontist.
Do Your Gums Bleed When You Brush?
A small amount of blood when brushing can seem insignificant, particularly if it happens occasionally. Healthy gums, however, should not routinely bleed during brushing or cleaning between the teeth.
Bleeding is commonly associated with inflammation caused by plaque around the gum line. This can happen with gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease, but bleeding can also occur when periodontal disease has developed further.
One of the problems is that people sometimes respond to bleeding by avoiding the area altogether. In reality, gentle and thorough cleaning is important. If bleeding continues despite good oral hygiene, your gums should be checked rather than simply hoping the problem disappears.
Have Your Gums Become Red Or Swollen?
Take a look at your gums the next time you brush. Healthy gums tend to be firm and fit closely around the teeth. If they look noticeably red, puffy or swollen, there could be inflammation underneath the surface.
Gingivitis can often be treated before it develops into more advanced periodontal disease. Once gum disease begins affecting the deeper tissues around the teeth, however, the situation becomes more complicated.
This is one reason a specialist assessment can be useful. Looking at the gums alone does not always reveal what is happening underneath them.
Healthy gums tend to be firm and fit closely around the teeth.
Has Your Bad Breath Suddenly Become Persistent?
If you are brushing regularly but still have an unpleasant taste or ongoing bad breath, bacteria beneath the gum line could be contributing to the problem. Mouthwash may disguise the smell for a while, but it will not deal with an underlying periodontal infection.
There is no need to feel embarrassed about discussing bad breath with a dental professional. It can be an important clue when assessing overall gum health.
Are Your Gums Receding?
Have your teeth started to look slightly longer than they used to? This can happen when the gum tissue recedes, exposing more of the tooth. Gum recession has a number of possible causes, including periodontal disease and excessive brushing, so it does not automatically mean you have gum disease.
Receding gums can also leave the exposed part of the tooth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. A periodontist can assess the recession and establish what is causing it and whether treatment is needed.
Are Your Teeth Starting To Feel Loose?
This is a symptom that should be taken particularly seriously. Teeth are held securely in place by the gum, periodontal ligament and surrounding bone. Advanced periodontal disease can damage these supporting structures, eventually causing teeth to become mobile or shift position.
If you have noticed that a tooth feels different when you bite, appears to have moved or feels loose, professional assessment should not be delayed. The earlier the underlying cause is identified, the more opportunity there may be to protect the supporting tissues.
Why Should Gum Disease Be Treated Early?
The biggest concern with periodontal disease is what can happen if inflammation continues unchecked. As gum disease becomes more advanced, pockets can form between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can collect within these areas, making them increasingly difficult to clean effectively at home. Eventually, the tissues and bone supporting the teeth can be damaged.
This does not mean that having gum disease automatically leads to losing teeth. With appropriate treatment and good ongoing care, periodontal disease can often be controlled. The important thing is knowing that there is a problem in the first place.
How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
A proper periodontal assessment looks beyond the visible appearance of your gums. A periodontist can measure the spaces around the teeth to identify areas of inflammation and periodontal pocketing.
X rays may also be taken where necessary to check the level of bone supporting the teeth. This information helps to establish how advanced the condition is.
A periodontist can measure the spaces around the teeth to identify areas of inflammation and periodontal pocketing.
What Treatment Is Available In Harley Street?
There is no single treatment that is suitable for every patient with gum disease. Where appropriate, treatment may begin with non surgical periodontal therapy, including root surface debridement to remove deposits and bacteria from areas beneath the gum line. More advanced periodontal disease may require surgical treatment, depending on the extent of the damage and the individual circumstances.
At The Perio Centre, treatment is tailored to the condition of the gums and the supporting structures around the teeth. Once active treatment has been completed, ongoing periodontal maintenance can also play an important role in keeping the disease under control.
Where Can I Get Gum Disease Treatment In Harley Street?
The Perio Centre is a specialist periodontal practice based at 107 Harley Street, London. Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, gum recession, bone loss and other conditions affecting the tissues around the teeth.
If your gums are bleeding regularly, have become swollen or receded, or you have noticed changes in the position or stability of your teeth, a specialist assessment can help to establish what is happening. Identifying gum disease earlier can give you a better opportunity to protect the health of your gums and natural teeth for the future.
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
