London SE1 dentists diagnose and treat tooth and gum disease

London SE1 dentists diagnose and treat tooth and gum disease

09 / 01 / 2011

Every time you eat, drink and talk you are relying on having a healthy, fully functional mouth. To be able to do these activities in comfort throughout your life it is imperative that your look after all the parts of your mouth and ensure that they remain free from diseases which can compromise their functionality.

The main way in which teeth and gums can become diseased is by allowing plaque to build up. Plaque is a substance which is formed by the food you eat and, if left to its own devices, it will attack the enamel which protects your teeth. Once enamel has been broken down then cavities can form. These are small holes in the teeth which can be very sensitive and need to be filled.

Plaque can also affect the gums and cause them to be diseased. If plaque builds up on the gum line of teeth, the gums will become inflamed, reddened and more sensitive. This condition, called gingivitis, must be stopped before it progresses into periodontitis. If it gets this far then your teeth will be at great risk of falling out as the bones which hold them in place will have become inflamed.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss too to ensure that your teeth and gums stay free from disease. It is much better to avoid these conditions occurring than having to deal with the consequences. Even with advances in modern dentistry some of the procedures to deal with teeth and gum disease can be invasive and inconvenient. If you are worried about tooth and gum disease, talk to your London SE1 dentist to get more advice.