Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. Although you may experience no pain with gingivitis there will be inflammation of the gums. When brushing your teeth you may find your gums frequently bleed or look very swollen and red. These are common signs of gingivitis and it is highly recommended that you visit your dentist in London SE1 for a consultation and check up. Left untreated gingivitis can worsen and even lead to tooth loss. Tooth loss is caused when gingivitis moves into the stage called periodontitis. The connective tissue of the teeth is affected during the periodontitis stage, teeth will begin to loosen as they separate from the gums. Heavier bleeding from the gums will occur and greater levels of pain will be felt in the gums. The exposure of a greater area of your teeth to bacteria can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay. Continuous very bad breath, called halitosis, is frequently another side effect of gum disease. Not following proper dental hygiene, diabetes and smoking will all make gum disease more likely. Pain, difficulty eating and lifelong oral health problems can all be caused by gum disease. To protect against gum disease it is essential that you visit you dentist, at least, twice a year and follow good oral hygiene practice such as brushing twice daily and frequent flossing.

Looking after your teeth is very important. They are an extremely important part of your body that enable you to eat and drink, talk and provide valuable support for the facial structure. When problems occur with the teeth they can be very unpleasant and cause a great deal of pain not to mention expense and anxiety. However, what many people often overlook is that the gums are equally important for the health of your mouth and wider health in general.

The gums are the support structure for the teeth and are inexorably linked to them. They too can suffer at the hands of plaque and bacteria, which cause gum disease. When plaque acid begins to irritate the gum tissue it can become infected, leading first to gingivitis and then to periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that can result in losing teeth and even heart disease.

Nearly three quarters of the adults in the UK will suffer from gum disease at some point in their life, which gives you some idea of just how common it is. The best way to protect against gum disease is by brushing and flossing. Angle the toothbrush at forty-five degrees to the gums to gradually stimulate them and remove the thin layer of plaque that has built up. It is also vital to floss as this removes plaque and food particles around the base of the tooth. These areas are very hard to clean with a brush so are often the source of gum disease issues. Finally, make sure that you see your London SE1 dentist every six months for a check up. They will be able to examine your gums in detail for any sign of disease and carry out any necessary treatment.