63-65 Fleece Road, Long Ditton KT6 5JR
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
63-65 Fleece Road, Long Ditton KT6 5JR
Bleeding gums? Bad breath that won’t go away? Teeth feeling loose? These could all be signs of gum disease, and ignoring them can lead to serious problems.
But don’t worry – you’re not alone. Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues, and the good news is, it’s treatable!
At The Dental Connection, your trusted Surbiton dentist, we help patients prevent, manage, and even reverse gum disease with the right care.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down – what gum disease is, what causes it, and most importantly, how to get rid of it. Just keep reading!
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues in the UK, yet many people don’t realise they have it. In fact, according to the NHS, around 90% of adults in the UK have some form of gum disease at some point in their lives.
It can start off with mild symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications – including tooth loss.
So, what exactly is gum disease? It’s an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup. It progresses in stages:
The biggest problem? Gum disease often progresses silently – you may not notice major symptoms until it’s already advanced. That’s why early action is key.
The sooner you spot the signs and take steps to treat gum disease, the better your chances of saving your teeth and protecting your overall health.
Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight – it builds up over time due to certain habits and health factors. Here are some of the most common causes:
Not brushing and flossing properly? That’s the fastest way to invite gum disease. When plaque isn’t removed daily, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to infection. A simple routine of brushing twice a day and flossing can make a huge difference.
If you smoke, your risk of gum disease doubles. Tobacco weakens your immune system, making it harder for your gums to fight infections and heal properly. It also reduces blood flow to the gums, so problems can go unnoticed until they’re severe.
Your gums need vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. Diets high in sugar and processed foods fuel the bacteria that cause gum infections. On the other hand, foods rich in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants help keep gums strong and disease-free.
Believe it or not, stress can contribute to gum disease. When you’re stressed, your body struggles to fight infections, including those in your mouth. It can also lead to habits like teeth grinding, which puts extra strain on your gums.
Sometimes, gum disease runs in the family. If your parents or siblings have had gum problems, you may be more at risk. But don’t worry – good oral care and regular visits to your dentist in Surbiton can help you stay ahead of it.
Conditions like diabetes make it harder for the body to fight infections, including gum infections. High blood sugar levels also create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Managing underlying health conditions is key to keeping your gums in good shape.
Gums are sensitive to hormonal shifts, which is why pregnant women, teenagers, and menopausal women are at a higher risk of gum disease. If you’re experiencing swollen or bleeding gums due to hormone changes, extra oral care and regular check-ups can help keep your smile healthy.
Gum disease often starts quietly, but there are warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a dentist in Surbiton as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
In the early stages (gingivitis), gum disease can be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce inflammation. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D can also support gum health.
However, once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, home remedies alone won’t be enough. You’ll need professional treatment from a dentist in Surbiton to remove tartar buildup and stop further damage.
The key is early action – the sooner you address gum disease, the easier it is to get rid of it!
At The Dental Connection, diagnosing gum disease is a straightforward process. During a routine examination, we carefully check for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, bleeding, or plaque buildup.
We’ll also ask about any symptoms you may have noticed, like the ones we highlighted above.
To determine how advanced the condition is, we use a periodontal probe to measure the pockets around your teeth. Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth, but when gum disease is present, these pockets become deeper due to bone loss.
The deeper the pockets, the more severe the gum disease. We also check for loose teeth, changes in your bite, and areas where your gums may have pulled away from the teeth.
In many cases, dental X-rays are taken to get a detailed look at the supporting bone structure. These images help us see how much bone has been lost and whether the disease has progressed.
For moderate to advanced gum disease, pocket reduction surgery might be required. This treatment involves lifting the gums to remove deep plaque and tartar deposits that can’t be reached with regular cleaning.
After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the gums are repositioned to reduce pocket depth and allow for easier maintenance.
If gum disease has caused bone loss, bone grafting may be recommended. This procedure helps regenerate lost bone by placing grafting material in the affected areas, encouraging natural bone regrowth.
Similarly, if gums have receded, gum grafting can restore lost gum tissue and protect exposed tooth roots, improving both oral health and the appearance of the smile.
While professional treatment is the best way to tackle gum disease, some home remedies can also help you manage the symptoms.
If you’re looking for natural ways to reduce inflammation and bacteria, here are some options to try. However, if symptoms persist, it’s always best to visit a professional dentist for expert care.
Aloe vera has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great option for reducing plaque and gingivitis. Research suggests it can be just as effective as some medicated mouthwashes.
To use it, swish 100% pure aloe vera juice in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this two to three times a day for the best results.
Oil pulling has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve oral health. This involves swishing oil around your mouth for 20-30 minutes to pull out toxins and bacteria.
Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. If you’re new to oil pulling, start with shorter sessions and gradually work your way up.
Just remember – never swallow the oil, as it contains bacteria and toxins removed from your gums
Applying herbal gels directly to the gums can help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Ginseng gel has been found to be as effective as some medicated gels for reducing plaque.
Similarly, curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent gingivitis. Simply brush your teeth, rinse, and apply a pea-sized amount of gel to your gums, letting it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Gum disease doesn’t wait, and neither should you. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to protect your teeth and gums from serious damage.
At The Dental Connection, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy, strong, and free from gum disease. Whether you need a routine check-up, a deep cleaning, or expert treatment, our team is ready to provide the care you deserve.
Don’t ignore the signs – book your appointment today and let’s get your gums back to their healthiest state!
Gum disease itself isn’t contagious, but the bacteria that cause it can spread through saliva. This means that sharing utensils, kissing, or even drinking from the same cup as someone with gum disease could expose you to harmful bacteria.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup, which may improve mild gingivitis. It has antimicrobial properties that can fight infections and soothe inflamed gums.
However, it should be used in moderation – a diluted solution (equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide) can be swished around the mouth for 30 seconds, then spat out. Avoid swallowing it, and don’t use it long-term without consulting a dentist.
This depends on how advanced the disease is. For mild cases (gingivitis), improved oral hygiene – brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash – can reverse it within weeks.
For more advanced cases, professional treatments may be required. The best approach is to schedule an appointment with as soon as possible for the right treatment plan.
You can help manage early-stage gum disease with proper oral care, but you cannot treat periodontitis on your own. While home remedies may provide relief, they do not remove tartar or deep bacteria beneath the gums.
Only a professional dental cleaning or periodontal treatment can fully get rid of gum disease once it has progressed.
The best toothpaste for gum disease is one that contains fluoride and antibacterial agents like stannous fluoride or triclosan. Look for brands that specifically mention "gum health" or "anti-gingivitis" on the label.
Some popular choices include Parodontax, Corsodyl, Sensodyne Gum Health, and Colgate Total Gum Health.
No, lemon cannot cure gum disease. While lemon has antibacterial properties, it is also highly acidic, which can erode tooth enamel and irritate sensitive gums.
Using lemon juice on your gums may do more harm than good. Instead, focus on proven treatments to effectively manage gum disease.