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Periodontics in Bath

"My experience of the clinic and the staff team has been outstanding. Everyone has worked so hard to contribute to the healing of my gums in preparation for screw ins. Nothing is too much trouble, and this is the first time I have been put at ease. Pratik is the nicest dentist I have ever met, and although I've personally had a traumatic journey in resolving my smil,e it has been made much easier by the kindness and personal care that I have received from the staff at the practice. Thank you so much, everyone."
A.H
5-star

Gum disease treatment at our Bath Clinic

Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss over the age of 35. Research demonstrates that, with regular supportive care and good plaque control, many teeth that have gum disease can be treated and maintained for many years. Get in touch today to see how we can help.

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Gum Disease

Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss over the age of 35. Research demonstrates that, with regular supportive care and good plaque control, many teeth that have gum disease can be treated and maintained for many years.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums which has spread to the bone and supporting structures around a tooth.

Gum disease causes:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Shrinkage of the gums
  • Sensitivity to cold and hot things
  • Loosening and loss of teeth

About 10% of the population is more prone to the effects of plaque and are susceptible to early tooth loss. These patients need to be very good at their plaque control and need regular professional supportive care.

  • Plaque is a slimy layer of bacteria which particularly collects where the gum and teeth meet
  • The bacteria in plaque cause gum disease
  • Plaque will form within a few hours of brushing your teeth

How do we treat gum disease?

First, we assess where the gum disease is present in your mouth and where the plaque is in your mouth. We will advise you if any teeth are beyond saving.

Next, we remove the deposits of soft plaque and harder tartar from your teeth. We also show you how and give you the correct tools for you to remove the plaque every day.

Next, we check that all the gum disease has been eliminated and that you are removing the plaque well on a daily basis.

Finally, we regularly re-check that the gum disease is not returning and re-check that you are removing the plaque well. If it is returning anywhere in your mouth we treat it early before it fully re-establishes.

In most patients this re-checking needs to be performed by your periodontist or dentist every three months. We call this part of the treatment monitoring and supportive therapy.

Monitoring and Supportive Therapy

We see the biggest reason for failure of gum treatment being lack of monitoring and supportive therapy. Unfortunately, susceptibility to gum disease is a life-long problem and the research shows that to keep gum disease at bay we there are three important factors:

  • Excellent daily plaque control by you.
  • Regular monitoring by us or your dentist to check that you are removing all plaque and an assessment of your gums to check that the gum disease is not creeping back anywhere.
  • Regular supportive therapy to re-treat any areas where gum disease is beginning to return and to treat it early before it causes serious damage.

Can implants get gum disease?

Yes, they can.The proper term for this is peri-implantitis. If the gums around your implant bleed on brushing or you notice a discharge from the gum around an implant or an unpleasant taste coming from around your implant you must contact a trained implant dentist immediately.

Contact an implant dentist (implantologist) immediately if you notice any of the following occurring around your implants:

  • Bleeding on brushing
  • A discharge from the gum
  • An unpleasant taste

If I have gum disease, can I have implants?

Yes you can but your treatment must follow this order:

  • Treat your gum disease
  • Demonstrate that you can maintain good enough plaque control to stop the gum disease from returning
  • Place the implants
  • Regular monitoring and supportive care for life

Gum Disease FAQs

What are healthy gums?

Healthy gums refer to the pink, firm, and moist tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. They act as a protective barrier for the roots and also help to keep teeth in place.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and infection if not adequately removed.

The early signs of gum disease include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums during brushing or flossing. As the condition progresses, you may experience persistent bad breath, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss.

Good oral hygiene practises are essential for preventing gum disease. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress also contribute to gum health.
In its early stages, gum disease can be reversed through improved oral hygiene practises and professional treatments such as scaling and root planing. However, advanced stages of gum disease may require more extensive treatments to manage the condition.
Research has shown a strong link between gum disease and various systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even preterm births. Maintaining healthy gums is not only important for your oral health but also for your overall well-being.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for gum health as they allow your dentist to monitor and detect any signs of gum disease early on. They can also provide professional cleanings, address any issues promptly, and provide guidance on maintaining optimal oral hygiene practises.
It is generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and professional cleaning. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease or other dental concerns.
While maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is the most effective way to prevent and manage gum disease, some home remedies can provide additional support. These include rinsing with warm saltwater, using aloe vera gel, applying tea tree oil, and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.
Electric toothbrushes can be more effective in removing plaque compared to manual toothbrushes, thanks to their oscillating or rotating bristle movements. They can help improve gum health, especially in individuals who have difficulty with manual brushing techniques.
No, bleeding gums during brushing or flossing is not normal and could be a sign of gum disease. It is essential to address this issue with your dentist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
While receding gums can be caused by various factors including gum disease, genetics, and aggressive brushing, maintaining good oral hygiene practises and habits can help prevent or slow down the progression of gum recession. It is important to brush gently, use a soft-bristled brush, and avoid activities that can irritate the gums.
Yes, certain foods can promote gum health. These include foods rich in vitamin C (such as oranges and strawberries), leafy greens, nuts, and dairy products. These foods provide essential nutrients that support gum tissue health.
Yes, hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can impact gum health. Hormonal fluctuations can make the gums more sensitive and more prone to inflammation and infection.
Gum grafting is one of the treatment options for receding gums, but it is not the only solution. The appropriate treatment for receding gums depends on the severity and underlying causes. Less invasive options, such as scaling and root planing or using growth factors, might be effective in less severe cases.
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