Preventative Dentistry In Redditch

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease. The inflammation is part of the body's natural defence mechanisms and occurs in response to a build-up of plaque (bacteria) on the teeth. In some patients, this natural inflammatory process is too severe or poorly controlled and the inflammation actually damages the supporting structure of the teeth, namely gum and supporting bone. Whilst we can control this process and stop the bone loss getting any worse, the bone loss is usually irreversible.

Approximately 10% of the population are severely affected by periodontal disease and by the age of 60 years old around 80% of people will display some bone loss, albeit mild. There appears to be some genetic link with periodontal disease, with trends running in families. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, then potentially your siblings are at risk of having the same problem and potentially your children may also be at risk. Ideally they should all be screened and monitored by their dentist for potential problems

The single biggest risk factor for developing gum disease, after poor oral hygiene, is smoking. Smokers lose three times more teeth than non-smokers and they do not respond as well to treatment as non-smokers. There are other conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes, poor diet or stress that can also play their part. Stopping smoking is a very important part of controlling this disease and preventing tooth loss. Should you wish to quit smoking, the best people to speak to are your GP and medical practice Nurses. We are also happy to offer advice.

Periodontal disease can be treated successfully, however we cannot cure it. Similar to diabetes, there is no cure, but by stabilising the disease, we can prevent further damage and allow you to keep your teeth for a long time.

Your role in the management and stabilisation of the disease is crucial. We will show techniques aimed at helping you clean your teeth to a very high standard so that the bacteria levels are below the level that triggers inflammation. This is different from one patient to the next. Without this change in home care, our treatment cannot be successful. Controlling the risk factors outlined above is an important part of helping yourself control your disease.

If the bone loss around the teeth is not controlled then teeth may become loose, gums shrink and is some cases teeth may become infected or even fall out.

Once you are successfully controlling the plaque build-up, we will help by removing the deposits that you cannot reach or are firmly attached to the teeth. This can take time and you may require several treatment sessions over a period of many months depending on how severe the disease is. This treatment may be done by your dentist, dental therapist or dental hygienist. It is impossible to know how long it will take to stabilise the condition but the harder you work at home the quicker things tend to happen.

This is not an infection, it is the body's reaction to removable plaque. When the plaque is physically removed by you and by us, the inflammation will resolve and the disease will stabilise without the need for antibiotics. Gum disease is almost never treated with antibiotics.

Due to the fact that there has been irreversible bone loss, when the inflammation resolves it is likely that you will experience some gum shrinkage and possibly some sensitivity. These are unavoidable side effects of treatment and you must remember that failing to control the disease may result in tooth loss.