The NHS website informs us that most people in the UK have gum disease to some extent and that just about everybody will experience it at least once in their lives, so what actually is it? If you don’t manage to successfully brush away all the food deposits left on your teeth through regular, thorough brushing, the food deposits which remain will turn into plaque.

Plaque is a sticky film that covers the teeth and contains lots of different bacteria. When plaque hardens it turns into tartar, which becomes particularly problematic around the gum line, causing inflammation of the gums. The symptoms you’ll notice first are that your gums are swollen, red and bleeding. You might notice blood in the sink when you rinse after brushing your teeth. You might also notice that you have bad breath, as this is another sign.

In its mildest form gum disease is known as gingivitis and is easily dealt with using mouthwash. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of action, depending on the severity of your symptoms. When gum disease is more severe it is known as periodontitis. In more extreme cases, generally when gum disease is ignored and left untreated, it has been linked to heart failure, diabetes, strokes and babies being born with a low birth weight.

Gum disease prevention in Lancashire

Brushing your teeth twice a day may sound obvious, but according to a few surveys, there are plenty of people in the UK who forget to do this regularly. Using a good brushing technique and fluoride toothpaste, you should brush once in the morning and again, just before you to go to bed at night. This is an initial, but essential step to take in preventing gum disease.

Using floss and mouthwash may also help improve your oral hygiene, but most importantly, you should ensure you visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to remove the visible food deposits that have the potential to cause gum disease in the future. It really is that simple to keep yourself free from gum disease and maintain your smile confidence!

Whether you’re worried about the current state of your gums, any warning signs you may have noticed, or preventing gum disease from happening to you, we can help. Here at the Viva Dental practice in Lancashire, we can provide you with regular hygiene appointments, as well as advise you on brushing techniques. If you have kids, it’s just as important that they know how to brush their teeth well and the importance of doing it twice a day.

Contact our Lancaster dental practice

Please get in touch if you’d like to book a hygiene appointment or a dental examination. We care about patients and the state of the nation’s teeth, because we’ve seen firsthand the damage gum disease can cause to a person’s health. Give us a call.