Your Egham dentist looks at the UK's leading cause of tooth loss.

Gum disease remains to be the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK.

Here at your local Egham dentist we are passionate about preventing gum disease, helping patients perfect their oral health regime to avoid it as much as possible. We are pleased to have Dr Schiefung Tay on our team at our Egham clinic. Dr Tay is a gum disease specialist (periodontist) which is ideal for patients, particularly those who may be suffering, or have suffered from advanced stage gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is gum inflammation that is called gingivitis in the early stages. It can progress to be periodontal disease which is very serious. At the early  stage of gum disease the gums may bleed when you brush your teeth, they may also be red and inflamed, particularly where the tooth meets the gum. The good news is that the disease can be completely reversed at this stage as long as it is diagnosed and treated effectively. If the disease progresses, the bone that supports the teeth becomes affected and the teeth start to loosen and could eventually fall out.

What Are The Signs Of Gum Disease?

So many people don't know they have gum disease. It is actually possible to have it without having any of the symptoms, but usually a person will have at least one of these symptoms:

●     Tender gums

●     Swollen gums

●     Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing

●     Pockets next to the teeth where the gums have pulled away

●     Loose teeth

●     Pain when chewing

●     Pus or sores between the teeth

●     Sensitive teeth

●     Smelly breath that stays pungent even after brushing

Some of these symptoms may only occur when the disease has progressed. At the later stages of periodontal disease the teeth and gums tend to be in a very poor state.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Food can get trapped in the gum pockets and cause infections or gum disease. Plaque can form on the teeth and release acids that aggravate the gums, eventually causing more problems by injuring the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.

What Increases The Risk Of Gum Disease?

There are many things that increase the risk of gum disease including:

●     Smoking

●     Certain medications

●     Certain medical conditions

●     Crooked or misaligned teeth

●     Badly fitted dental accessories

●     Pregnancy

●     Genes

Treating Periodontal Disease

If you have gingivitis we can work with you to change your oral health regime and habits to essentially reverse the condition. If you have advanced stage gum disease the approach is slightly different. There are lot of different types of periodontal disease each which require a slightly different approach to treatment. Dr Tay at our Egham dental practice near you, is able to diagnose which type of periodontal disease you have, before then recommending a treatment plan. Dy Tay has several areas of special interest which include:

●     Periodontal consultation and management

●     Periodontal examination and diagnosis

●     Non-surgical periodontal therapy

●     Surgical periodontal therapy

●     Periodontal regenerative surgery

●     Supportive periodontal therapy/ Periodontal maintenance

Call Crown House Dental For More Information

If you know you have periodontal disease, or you are concerned you may have early stage gum disease, the best thing you can do is come in and see us so we can diagnose and then form a treatment plan with you. Please call 01784432641 and one of our friendly team will book an appointment for you.