Don’t Ignore Bleeding Gums: How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease, one of the most common health conditions in the world. In its early stages, it often goes unnoticed, but if left untreated, it can have a big impact on your daily life, potentially leading to:
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty eating and chewing
- Loss of confidence
- Eventual tooth loss
The good news is that dentists can diagnose and successfully manage gum disease in nearly all cases.
At Torrington Dental, we take gum health very seriously. With advanced expertise in periodontics (the treatment of gum disease) and a skilled team of hygienists, we provide first-class periodontal care to help protect your smile.
This guide answers common questions about gum disease and includes links to excellent resources for more information. If you have any concerns, you are always welcome to book a consultation with our team.
What Causes Bleeding Gums and What Is Gum Disease?
Plaque that builds up around the teeth causes gum disease. This plaque irritates and inflames the gums. You may notice redness, swelling, or bleeding when brushing. If not treated, this inflammation can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place. Over time, this can loosen your teeth, and in severe cases, it can cause you to lose them altogether.
How can gum disease affect my life?
One challenge with gum disease is that the early signs are easy to miss. Many people assume bleeding gums are normal, but this is often an early warning sign. If gum disease progresses, it can cause bad breath, gum recession, difficulty eating, and eventually tooth loss, all of which affect confidence and quality of life. The positive news is that even patients with early, mild gum disease often notice a healthier, fresher mouth after treatment.
Does gum disease affect general health?
Yes. Studies link gum disease with overall health. Gum disease has been associated with:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Pregnancy complications
The good news is that gum disease is very predictable to treat and stabilise, especially if caught early. Regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits are the best way to protect both your oral and general health.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment usually follows three stages:
1. Diagnosis and advice
First, we confirm the diagnosis and help you understand the condition. We’ll show you how to care for your gums at home – daily habits are crucial to success.
2. Deep cleaning (non-surgical treatment)
A thorough cleaning above and below the gum line removes the plaque and buildup that causes inflammation. This may be done with a local anaesthetic for comfort. In some cases, advanced or surgical treatments may be recommended.
3. Supportive care
Once the disease is stabilised, regular hygienist visits help keep the gums healthy in the long term. This supportive care maintains results and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
Can I have dental implants if I have gum disease?
Dental implants should not be placed if gum disease is untreated or unstable, as implants can also develop gum-related problems that may lead to failure.
However, if gum disease is treated and stable, implants can often be placed successfully, though there may be a slightly higher long-term risk of failure. Your dentist can discuss whether implants are right for you.
Final thoughts
We hope this guide has answered some of your questions about gum disease. For more information, the British Society of Periodontology offers excellent patient resources.
If you’d like personalised advice or treatment, our team at Torrington Dental is here to help. Book a consultation with us today to start your journey to healthier gums and a healthier life.
Author
Mr Shaun Hodge BDS MFDS RCPS (Glasg) MSc Dental Implantology (Distinction)
Shaun is a dentist at Torrington Dental with advanced expertise in gum disease and dental implants. He is an active member of the British Society of Periodontology, winner of the BSP Audit Prize in 2020, and has published research in the British Dental Journal. Alongside his clinical work, Shaun is involved in teaching and research in periodontology, keeping him at the forefront of developments in the field
