Ways your dentist can help you fight gum disease

Regular visits to both your dentist and hygienist are essential in the battle against gum disease. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer full dental hygiene services, and also have a specialist periodontist – a dentist who has undergone additional training to specialise in the treatment of gum conditions.

gum-diseaseDespite improvements in dental hygiene, with more people than ever before regularly visiting their dentist than ever before, gum disease is still a big problem. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among UK adults, and at Harley Street Dental Clinic we think this is sad because the condition is entirely preventable.

There are two forms of gum disease; the early form is known as gingivitis, and most people will experience it in some form or another at some point in your life. Certain groups – such as pregnant women – are more susceptible to gingivitis. At our Harley Street clinic we offer special care for patients who are pregnant to minimise the risk of this condition arising and treating it appropriately if it does.

The more serious form of gum disease is called periodontitis, or periodontal disease. It is this advanced condition that leads to tooth loss, so prompt intervention from your dentist is essential. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our specialist periodontist, Dr Pedja Pavlovic, can treat complex and advanced gum disease cases. He is highly respected in his field, and lectures in Periodontology at the Royal London Hospital.

In its early stages, gum disease may have few noticeable symptoms. Your dentist can spot signs of the condition before you even suspect there is a problem, whilst your hygienist can remove the cause of gum disease – dental plaque – with a professional scale and polish.

  • Symptoms you may experience at home include:
  • Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
  • Red, swollen gums (with or without pain)
  • Bad breath

Should you notice any of these early warning signs, or anything else suspicious, you should book an appointment with a dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic as soon as possible. Caught early, gum disease is easily treatable and manageable.