Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Gum Disease
If a patient decides to undergo treatment to fit a dental implant in Richmond, one of the criteria is that they need to have a healthy mouth. You might be forgiven for thinking that dentists are just being picky, but the truth is that issues such as gum disease can be extremely problematic for newly placed dental implants and can cause them to fail.
Aside from dental there are a multitude of other reasons why you shouldn’t ignore gum disease, so with this in mind, let’s take a closer look.
Aside from gum health being important for a healthy mouth there is increasing evidence that gum disease is linked with more severe medical conditions. In 2012 for example the American Heart Association concluded findings that periodontal disease (a more serous type of gum disease) has direct links to clogged arteries causing potential heart disease. Other findings have also suggested that periodontal disease is linked to diabetes and even cancer.
Although findings are inconclusive, even without the contribution factor to other serious problems and life-threatening conditions, gum disease can have a seriously negative impact on a patient’s teeth if left unattended.
So what exactly is gum disease?
If teeth and gums aren’t maintained through regular brushing and flossing, bacteria contained within plaque can attach itself to the base of the teeth at the gum line. The result is reddened and tender gums. This is normally manifested by bleeding gums when teeth are brushed and is known as gingivitis (an early form of gum disease).
When gingivitis is ignored, it can result in severe periodontal disease which can attack the bone tissue holding the teeth in place, creating gaps between gums and teeth. This eventually leads to tooth loss and jaw bone decay.
So what can you do to prevent gum disease from occurring?
Keeping your gums in tip top condition should be a joint effort between you and your dentist. Regular and thorough cleaning and flossing is a must and in addition some mouth washes that help to keep plaque at bay may also be recommended. Your dentist can also provide a wide range of procedures which can help keep plaque at bay, such as scaling and polishing, cleaning under the gums to eradicate bacteria (otherwise known as de-bridgement or root planing), and periodontal surgery should the need arise.
If you’re concerned about gum disease prior to undergoing treatment for dental implants in Richmond, or would like to seek advice on how you can eradicate it, then contact us for an appointment at Sheen Dental. We have many years of experience and have helped thousands of patients maintain their teeth and gums. To book your consultation either visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk or contact us directly on 020 8876 5277 and don’t let gum disease get the better of your dental and overall health.