Gum Disease

Why might I be susceptible?

Periodontal disease is the Number One cause of tooth loss amongst adults. This is because a certain number of people (15-20%) have immune systems that overreact to the bad bacteria in their mouths. When this overreaction occurs, the immune system attacks and breaks down the bone and tissue that surround the tooth. This destruction is not predictable and can occur sporadically. None of us knows if we are part of this 15-20% because we can’t usually feel or notice the onset of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. Both adults and children should be routinely checked for gum disease.

Keeping your gums in shape

Keep in mind that healthy gums DON’T BLEED. You are the key player on the hygiene team. If you don’t do the essential daily brushing and flossing, the rest of your dental team (the dentist and hygienist) is playing short-handed. And sometimes with everyone fighting the good fight, stubborn plaque and bacteria will require some new maintenance techniques for battling gum infection.

GUM DISEASE IS NOT CURABLE,
BUT IT IS TREATABLE,
AND IN MOST CASES, CONTROLLABLE

Are you living at high risk for gum disease?

Smoking: Numerous studies have shown that smokers have more gum disease. Smokers have increased levels of tartar in the mouth, and experience more tissue irritation, which makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Smokers have more bone loss and heal less quickly than non-smokers.

Stress: When our immune system is stressed it is difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections.

Dental neglect: Avoiding the dentist is a lifestyle choice that puts you at risk of contracting diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums.

Floss or die! Your hygienist or dentist works to prevent infection in your mouth from entering the bloodstream and reaching vital organs.

Heart disease: Gum inflammation products and bacteria in gum disease can cause heart disease, and in some cases, double the risk of a fatal heart attack. In addition, bacteria from your mouth may combine with blood-clotting cells called platelets, forming heart-stopping blood clots.

Stroke: New studies show that 70% of the fatty deposits of stroke sufferers contain bacteria, of which 40% comes from the mouth.

Diabetics: This group of people are more likely to have gum disease than most people and gum disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

Premature birth: Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be as much as seven times more likely to have a baby born early. Some research suggests that gum disease may increase the level of hormones that induce labour.

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Very professional dental practice, both dentists and staff are very helpful. All treatments and procedures are explained thoroughly, and your mind is put at ease.

Wouldn’t go anywhere else!

- S.Gill

After being terrified of Dentist for almost 60 years, I have at last found in Greg one that I can trust. He is kind, thoughtful and advises you every step of the way. I was actually able to sit through and have an extraction without fear, Did not feel a thing!

Thank you Greg

- AB

Just wanted to say a big ‘Thank you’ to you for all the time & effort you put into making sure my veneer was just right. It really is a job well done , & the care you took is very much appreciated. I’ve had several veneers over the past 20 years, but none look as natural as this one. Please pass on my thanks to the laboratory too.

Best Wishes

- AC

To Greg, & all the staff at Rotherholme Dental Practice.

I just wanted to thank you for being so patient with me & helping me conquer my ‘fear of dentist!’ For saying that 6 months ago I couldn’t even go into the waiting room without panicking & crying….I shall almost miss my regular visits!

Thank you and see you in 6months – “with no fear at all”

- EL

Dear Judith

Just a short note to say thank you for being so patient with me. Thanks to you and all your friendly staff, I have overcome my fear of dentist again, and from now on shall be attending regular check ups. Thank you all once again.

- SH

Many, many thanks for your kindness and patience. Completely painless and restored my faith in dentist.

To Greg, Judith, Hannah, Kate & Sarah

Thank you for letting me experience a brilliant dentistry practice!

I wanted to say how very pleased I was with the last work you did on my teeth.

The crown and bridge blend beautifully with the rest of my teeth, and the denture was so comfortable that from the very beginning, I had to check whether I was really wearing it!

Thank you very much indeed, with all good wishes.

- AB