If you ask anyone why they visit their dentist, most will probably tell you that it is to have their teeth checked<\/a> to make sure that there is no decay. Very few people will even mention their gums, yet this is an incredibly important aspect of having a healthy mouth. With gum disease being the number one cause of tooth loss in the UK, it is important that we take gum health more seriously.<\/p>\n Gum problems<\/strong><\/p>\n There are generally two stages of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. At different stages, the patient is likely to notice a variety of symptoms that may indicate that there is a problem. These include:<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sore gums<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gums that bleed when you brush them<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A receding gum line<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bad breath (halitosis)<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Discomfort when chewing<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Loose or wobbly teeth<\/p>\n Whilst many of these can be eliminated or managed if detected during the early stages, others, such as loose teeth, usually occur at the later stages of gum disease where the bone holding the teeth in place has also become affected. At this stage, invasive treatment is likely to be needed in an attempt to save the teeth.<\/p>\n Prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rather than wait for gum disease to become advanced before treating it, relatively little effort is required on behalf of the patient to help prevent it from occurring in the first place. Just by following a few simple rules, the risk of gum disease is greatly lowered. Some groups such as diabetics are more prone to gum disease and this advice is of extra importance to them.<\/p>\n \u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clean your teeth well using a brush no older than three months, gently brush the teeth and on the gum-line to remove any bacteria Following these few simple steps greatly increases the chances of avoiding serious gum health issues and will help to keep your teeth secure and your breath fresh smelling.<\/p>\n To make an appointment at Mike Allen\u2019s Dental Practice in Burton Upon Trent, please call our receptionists on 01283 845345<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our Burton dentist, Mike Allen, looks at this sometimes underestimated oral health issue. If you ask anyone why they visit their dentist, most will probably tell you that it is to have their teeth checked to make sure that there …<\/p>\n
\n\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clean between the teeth. This is an area where gum problems often start. Ask our Burton hygienist<\/a> about options to do this which include dental floss or inter-dental brushes
\n\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keep regular dental appointments. This will help to ensure a healthy mouth overall
\n\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 See the hygienist. They can offer advice on cleaning or how your lifestyle may be affecting your gums. They can also professionally clean your teeth, removing hardened bacteria (plaque)<\/p>\n