Oral Health
Maintaining oral health is a fundamental part of our work here at the surgery. Mandy our dental hygienist is specially trained in improving and maintaining dental health. Our aim is to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health status. With care and co-operation on your part this is very achievable. Regular hygienist visits will result in healthy gums, clean teeth and fresher breath.
Fresh Breath
Did you know that approximately 30% of the population have chronic bad breath and 70% of the population notice it on other people?
Contrary to popular opinion, the majority of cases of bad breath begin in the mouth and not in the stomach. Around 80% of bad breath is caused by gases given off by bad bacteria involved in gum disease.
Causes of bad breath in the mouth:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gingivitis / periodontitis
- Ill-fitting crowns and bridges
- Cracked, leaking and over hanging fillings
- Poorly cleaned dentures
Periodontal (gum) disease
Understanding gum disease
There are two main types of gum disease:
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1. Gingivitis
When brushing and flossing techniques are not carried out effectively, this allows plaque, a soft sticky substance made up of harmful bacteria to build up along the gum line. The bacteria in it can result in the infection and inflammation of your gums; they will look red and puffy. This condition is known as gingivitis and nearly all adults suffer from this to some degree. Bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth is one of the earliest signs of gingivitis. Plaque left for any length of time will start to harden and form calculus or “tartar” on your teeth This cannot be removed by tooth brushing alone,and requires specialist scaling by your hygienist or dentist.
At this early stage gum disease is reversible. Regular visits to the hygienist will help you return to and maintain gingival health.
2. Periodontitis
Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to a more severe condition known as periodontitis.This is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Here the bacterial infection progresses to the deeper supporting tissues of the teeth known as the periodontal tissues which includes the supporting bone. As the disease progresses, this bone supporting the teeth is lost. The teeth become loosened, abscesses can form and teeth may eventually be lost.
Symptoms to watch out for are:
- Gums that have come away from the teeth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste;
- Permanent teeth that are loose or changing position