{"id":27396,"date":"2019-09-18T14:13:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-18T14:13:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/?page_id=27396"},"modified":"2024-09-11T10:07:56","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T09:07:56","slug":"gum-disease-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/healthy-tips-for-happy-teeth-and-oral-health\/gum-disease-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There are two main types of gum disease &#8211; gingivitis, which is reversible but it can develop into periodontitis which may lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis can be stabilised and controlled. Effective home care and early treatment by your dental team are the foundation to maintaining your smile for life. Early signs of gum disease are bleeding, receding gums, sensitivity, teeth moving, swollen gums, gum abscesses (gum boils) and bad breath. <strong>HEALTHY GUMS DON&#8217;T BLEED. <\/strong><\/p><p><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:34% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"613\" height=\"123\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/SDCEP-logo-NICE.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116089 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/SDCEP-logo-NICE.png 613w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/SDCEP-logo-NICE-300x60.png 300w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/SDCEP-logo-NICE-600x120.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><p>February 2024 <\/p><\/div><\/div><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>While people vary in their susceptibility, the main cause of periodontal diseases is the presence of dental plaque<\/li>\n\n<li>Gingivitis is reversible with improved self-care&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Damage to the periodontal tissues caused by periodontitis is irreversible but the disease can be stabilised.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Self-care is crucial for the prevention and management of periodontal diseases<\/li>\n\n<li>Risk assessment and formal diagnosis by your dental team helps enable the provision individualised care<\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-columns has-3-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p>Periodontal (gum) disease affects the gums, bone and other supporting structures around the teeth. Most of us will experience occasional gum inflammation or gingivitis (bleeding), but only about 10% of the population experience severe gum disease which can result in bone loss and subsequently tooth loss.The periodontal tissues are special tissues that surround and support your teeth and hold them in the jaw. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Periodontology is the area of dentistry that studies the periodontal tissues or periodontium. Think of your &#8216;gums&#8217; as the foundations of your mouth.  The &#8216;periodontal&#8217; tissues support and hold teeth in the jaw. They are crucial to oral health, overall health and wellbeing.  <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Gum disease is preventable. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>It is caused by bacteria in the sticky plaque biofilm that forms on teeth, gums, tongue, soft tissues  and dental appliances e.g. dentures. Our warm, wet mouth plays host to a &#8216;microbiome&#8217; of, amongst other things bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The biofilm that develops in our mouths makes a perfect home for bacteria to grow and develop &#8211; and cause problems if left undisturbed!<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"112\" height=\"99\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/calculus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106030 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><p>When plaque biofilm is left on teeth it calcifies from minerals in saliva. Once calcified (hardened) it can&#8217;t be removed by brushing. More plaque sticks to the rough tartar surface and tartar becomes thicker. Tartar is &#8216;plaque retentive&#8217;, meaning it retains plaque on its surface &#8211; usually around the gum margins, which allows the bacteria to &#8216;irritate&#8217; and cause inflammation. It it important to have tartar removed professionally by your dental team.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-94003\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-94020\" style=\"width:233px;height:233px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gum-Health-Day-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Treatment carried out by your dental team MUST be supported by your efforts at home to be successful.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-44cffbcf\">\n<p><strong>THE GOOD NEWS <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Biofilms can be removed by mechanical means<\/strong> using a <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/product-category\/toothbrushes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toothbrush<\/a> and the tools for <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/product-category\/floss-clean-between-interdental\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cleaning between teeth <\/a>where a toothbrush can&#8217;t reach <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/product-category\/floss-clean-between-interdental\/interdental-brushes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(interdental brushes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/product-category\/floss-clean-between-interdental\/floss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">floss<\/a> etc). However, they immediately begin to reform.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Are you at risk of severe gum disease? <\/strong> Some risk factors you have little or no control over  e.g. family history, but others are very much within your own control. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Risk factors<\/strong> for  gum disease include family history, tobacco use (smoking, chewing etc), diabetes, obesity, poor diet (high sugar,  lacking in minerals and vitamins), certain medications and stress. Smoking affects your response to gum treatment and also increases your risk of tooth loss. Get help to quit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/quit-smoking\/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e07101e3\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<p><strong>Daily, effective plaque biofilm control is in your hands and will take TIME. Use a <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/healthy-tips-for-happy-teeth-and-oral-health\/toothbrusing\/\">manual or power toothbrush<\/a> to clean every surface of all teeth at least twice a day. <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/healthy-tips-for-happy-teeth-and-oral-health\/flossing-interdental-cleaning-between-teeth\/\">Clean between teeth<\/a> BEFORE <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/healthy-tips-for-happy-teeth-and-oral-health\/toothbrusing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toothbrushing<\/a> with a <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/healthy-tips-for-happy-teeth-and-oral-health\/toothpaste-guide-2\/\">fluoride toothpaste.<\/a>&nbsp; Speak to your dental team or<a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/contact\/\"> contact us<\/a> for advice on what are the best tools to help you practice effective biofilm control.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Treatment carried out by your dental team MUST be supported by your efforts at home to be successful.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Sensitive teeth?<\/strong> A common side effect of gum disease and its treatment is gum recession and related dentine hypersensitivity. Oral health coach LeighGS discussed this and its management on<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/growingsmilesuk\/videos\/1348860285660217\"> Talking Teeth Thursday. Watch here. <\/a><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-488532b1 gb-headline-text\"><strong>Who gets gum disease? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">British Society of Periodontology <\/a>explain that while most of us some gum inflammation ( bleeding) at times only around 10% of the population seem to experience more severe forms which results in loss of bone that supports the teeth in the jaw.  These people are more at risk of losing teeth due to gum disease. Gum disease is linked to other diseases and conditions such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\/gum-disease-and-diabetes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diabetes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\/oral-health-and-pregnancy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pregnancy <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\/gum-disease-and-cardiovascular-heart-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cardiovascular disease<\/a>.  Follow the links to learn more.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-911fe1e2\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:23% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/perio-general-health-vide-image-1024x719.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-95002 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/perio-general-health-vide-image-1024x719.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/perio-general-health-vide-image-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/perio-general-health-vide-image-768x539.jpg 768w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/perio-general-health-vide-image-1536x1079.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/perio-general-health-vide-image-600x421.jpg 600w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/perio-general-health-vide-image.jpg 1538w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><p>Learn more about gum disease and general health in this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?time_continue=113&amp;v=NeVHpmj5lSw&amp;feature=emb_logo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video.<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:45% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"714\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quintessence-gum-diseaese-1024x714.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116289 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quintessence-gum-diseaese-1024x714.png 1024w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quintessence-gum-diseaese-300x209.png 300w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quintessence-gum-diseaese-768x536.png 768w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quintessence-gum-diseaese-600x419.png 600w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Quintessence-gum-diseaese.png 1032w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><p>Quintessence Publishing has produced a short video explaining the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quintessence-publishing.com\/gbr\/en\/video\/gum-diseases-and-their-consequences-v00877en\">consequences of ignoring bleeding gums<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p><\/div><\/div><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7f770436\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"527\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP-1-1-527x1024.jpg\" alt=\"British Society of Periodontology gum leaflet\" class=\"wp-image-80898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP-1-1-527x1024.jpg 527w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP-1-1-154x300.jpg 154w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP-1-1.jpg 558w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"556\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP2-556x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BSP gum health leaflet\" class=\"wp-image-80897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP2-556x1024.jpg 556w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP2-163x300.jpg 163w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP2.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP3.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"551\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP3-551x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BSP Gum disease leaflet\" class=\"wp-image-80896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP3-551x1024.jpg 551w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP3-161x300.jpg 161w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP3.jpg 581w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP5.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"584\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP5-584x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BSP gum disease information\" class=\"wp-image-80894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP5-584x1024.jpg 584w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP5-171x300.jpg 171w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP5-600x1052.jpg 600w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP5.jpg 619w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP4.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"565\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP4-565x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP4-565x1024.jpg 565w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP4-166x300.jpg 166w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP4.jpg 598w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP6.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"539\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP6-539x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BSP gum disease information\" class=\"wp-image-80893\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP6-539x1024.jpg 539w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP6-158x300.jpg 158w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/BSP6.jpg 569w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><p>Learn more at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">British Society of Periodontology<\/a>.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e1bb07a1\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:39% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/EFP_Periotalks_podcast.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/EFP_Periotalks_podcast.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101945 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/EFP_Periotalks_podcast.jpg 500w, https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/EFP_Periotalks_podcast-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) now recognises&nbsp;severe gum disease (periodontitis) as the 6th most prevalent disease of mankind. Shocking when it is largely preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.! Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacteria, that affects the supporting tissues around the teeth. <a href=\"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/efp-periotalkspodcasts\/episodes\/The-financial-and-human-cost-of-gum-disease-e1lnahc\/a-a8a6983\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Listen to Professor Iain Chapple<\/a> \u2013 professor of periodontology at the University of Birmingham (UK) and former EFP secretary general \u2013 discussing the financial and human cost of gum disease.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-32697370\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color\" id=\"h-growing-smiles-recommends-the-following-for-more-information-about-gum-disease-and-oral-health\"><strong>Growing Smiles recommends the following for more information about gum disease and oral health<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"290\" height=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/bsp-1.jpg\" alt=\"bsp logo\" class=\"wp-image-27398\" style=\"width:290px;height:155px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\/patients<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.perio.org\/consumer\/patient-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"121\" height=\"114\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/aap.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27399\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.perio.org\/for-patients\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.perio.org\/for-patients\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.efp.org\/patients\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/EFP-web-1.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56728\" style=\"width:136px;height:80px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.efp.org\/for-patients\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.efp.org\/for-patients\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/><p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Considering dental implants?<\/strong> <\/p><p>This information leaflet recently updated, has been created by the <a href=\"https:\/\/consideringdentalimplants.co.uk\/\">Association of Dental Implantology<\/a>. It gives a non bias overview of things to consider if you are thinking of dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are one option to replace natural teeth, but embarking on treatment, which is often expensive, should be with &#8216;eyes open&#8217; and a commitment to maintaining the implants once they are in your mouth. <\/p><p>Dental implants are not &#8216;screw in&#8217; teeth that do not require effort in the way of home care. In fact, we like to see anyone with dental implants being OCD about their oral hygiene! They need to work harder at their oral care! This promotes the health and stability of the implants, remaining natural teeth, gums and any associated appliance e.g. bridge, removal denture etc. <\/p><p>Dental implant therapy can take time, money and effort. They are an investment in your smile and overall health and wellbeing. They will require regular professional maintenance care e.g. dental hygiene visits for professional plaque removal, as well as professional monitoring to ensure health and stability.  We recommend reading this <a href=\"https:\/\/consideringdentalimplants.co.uk\/_userfiles\/pages\/files\/considering_dental_implants_v2021.pdf\">patients guide to dental implant treatment<\/a> and talking to your dental team for advice on your individual circumstances and suitability for dental implants. Got a question? Why not take <a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/time-out-for-teeth\/\">Time out for your teeth <\/a>with one of oral health coaches to discuss looking after your mouth.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/wp-admin\/edit.php?post_type=page\"><\/a><\/p><p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/healthy-tips-for-happy-teeth-and-oral-health\/\">Back to Healthy Tips for Happy Teeth and Oral Health<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are two main types of gum disease &#8211; gingivitis, which is reversible but it can develop into periodontitis which may lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis can be stabilised and controlled. Effective home care and early treatment by your dental team are the foundation to maintaining your smile for life. Early signs of gum disease &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Gum Disease\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/growingsmiles.co.uk\/healthy-tips-for-happy-teeth-and-oral-health\/gum-disease-2\/#more-27396\" aria-label=\"Read more about Gum Disease\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":0,"parent":24174,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27396","page","type-page","status-publish"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.8 (Yoast SEO v24.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Gum Disease | Oral Health | Healthy Gums | Growing Smiles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease. Gum disease is linked to other health problems e.g diabetes. 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