Gum disease in the past 5 years, has been the cause of dental negligence in over 10% of our DLP cases and according to gov.com ‘’50% of adults in the UK suffer with gum disease to some degree.’’ Which begs the question ”Is spotting the early warning signs of gum disease misunderstood in the UK.”
As its Gum Disease Month, we wanted to highlight the early signs of this disease, as spotting the signs could mean the difference between bone loss or temporary bad breath. Once the disease is present it is difficult to treat, so the best thing to do is to prevent it from getting worse at the early stages.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a serious gum infection causing inflammation of the gums which slowly damages the soft tissue around your teeth. If spotted in the early stages, it is known as gingivitis and can be treated by simply improving at-home oral care and visiting your dentist regularly. But if it is not treated effectively it can develop into periodontitis, which can weaken the bones supporting your teeth, cause receding gums and even tooth loss. Read more here.
What are the signs of early gum disease (Gingivitis)?
– Swollen or red gums
– Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing teeth
– Bad breath
The main cause of gum disease is plaque, which contains bacteria, which builds up on the teeth if not removed. How do you treat early signs?
– Brushing your teeth twice a day
– Use an electric toothbrush
– Flossing daily
– Visit your dentist regularly
Let’s help spread awareness of this serious disease, affecting 1 in 2 of us.
Problems such as gum disease should be picked up by your dentist on your regular visits and check-ups. But if you have been seeing your dentist regularly, and they have still failed to diagnose periodontitis, resulting in pain or suffering, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. You can contact the Dental Law Partnership to discuss your options with our friendly team today.