Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common yet preventable condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. In this blog, we’ll explore the stages of gum disease, its causes, early warning signs, and practical tips for preventing it.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It usually starts as inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and can progress to more severe forms that affect the bones and ligaments that keep your teeth in place (periodontitis).
Causes of Gum Disease
The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. If not removed through proper brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Other contributing factors include:
Poor oral hygiene: Irregular brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up.
Smoking and tobacco use: This weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation can make gums more sensitive, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can impair gum health and make infections more likely.
Medications: Some medications can reduce saliva flow, which helps protect gums.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Signs: Red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
Causes: Plaque buildup along the gumline is the most common cause of gingivitis.
Reversibility: Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that is reversible with proper oral care and professional dental cleanings.
Periodontitis
Signs: Gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can trap bacteria. You might notice persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth.
Causes: Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gumline and damages the bone supporting the teeth.
Reversibility: Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be managed with professional treatment to prevent further damage.
Prevention of Gum Disease
The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable. By adopting healthy habits and following these tips, you can protect your gums and maintain your oral health:
When to See a Dentist
If you experience any of the early warning signs mentioned above, or if you have persistent bad breath or pain while chewing, don’t wait. Seeing your dentist as soon as possible can prevent gum disease from advancing and causing more significant problems.
Gum disease is a serious but preventable condition. By recognising the early warning signs and practicing good oral hygiene habits, you can maintain healthy gums and prevent the progression of this disease. Remember, regular dental visits are key to catching problems early and keeping your smile healthy for life.
If you have any concerns about your gum health or need to schedule a dental health check, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Prevention is always better than cure!
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🐣 We are now closed for Easter weekend, we will re-open 9am on Tuesday 22nd April. Have a lovely weekend everyone 🐣
🅿️🅿️ For those patients on our ‘Practice Plan’ maintenance plan please call 0808 1698 117 for emergency cover.
ℹ️ For all other patients incase of an emergency please call NHS 111.
#dentistnewcastle #happyeaster
🌍✨ Worldwide recognition for our very own Nigel! 🦷📚
We’re beyond proud to announce that our Practice Owner and Principal Dentist, Nigel, has been featured in the latest Ethoss Dental Implant Case Study Book — a global celebration of excellence in implant dentistry! 💪🌟 @ethossregeneration
With over 1600 implants placed since 2016, a passion for cutting-edge technology and a dedication to mentoring fellow dentists, Nigel continues to set the bar high.
When it comes to permanent, fixed solutions — he’s the dentist you can trust.
#DentalExcellence #EthossRecognition #DentalImplants #ImplantDentist #TrustedExpert #Mentor #WorldClassDentistry #NigelSmiles #Ethoss #DentsplyDentalImplants #DentistNewcastle
🌸 Our Spring Newsletter is here! 🌸
Meet our new dentist, catch up on some exciting team news, and dive into this season’s hot topic: what causes toothache and how regular check-ups can help stop it in its tracks. 🦷✨
We’re also spotlighting the powerful link between oral health and overall wellbeing, plus a special focus on children’s teeth grinding—a timely issue with mental stress in the spotlight.
📰 There’s plenty to smile about—head to the link in our bio to read the full newsletter!
#SpringSmiles #OralHealthMatters #DentalWellness #ToothacheTips #HealthySmiles #ChildrensDentalHealth #DentistNewcastle
If your dentures don’t fit like they used to before — you’re not alone. Just like many of Dr Gough’s happy patients, you can feel confident, comfortable, and proud of your smile again. 🙌
✅ Natural look
✅ Better fit
✅ Boosted confidence
📍 At Brunswick Dental, we can help you by creating dentures that feel good and look great. Ready for your own before-and-after moment?
👉 Book your consultation today.
Let’s bring back that confident smile! 😄
#BrunswickDental #DentureUpgrade #SmileTransformation #ConfidentSmile #BeforeAndAfter #DrGoughSmiles #DentistNewcastle
🌸 Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Brunswick Dental🌸
Wishing all the wonderful mams out there a day filled with love, joy, and a little bit of well-deserved pampering! 💖 Whether you’re spending it with family or taking some time for yourself, we hope your day is as special as you are. 💐✨
#HappyMothersDay #ThankYouMum
🌟 Teamwork, Growth & Exceptional Patient Care! 🌟
Our latest team event was all about levelling up and ensuring we continue to deliver the best possible patient experience. From insightful learning sessions to team-building moments, it was a day of growth, collaboration, and inspiration! 💡💙
A huge thank you to Michael Bentley and Practice Plan for supporting this incredible day. 🙌 @mikeybentleygreen @practiceplan
Want to know more? Read all about it in our latest blog! 📝 Click the link in our profile to check it out. 🔗✨
#TeamGrowth #PatientExperience #LevelUp #PracticePlan #AlwaysLearning
📢 Practice Closed Today for Staff Training 📢
Our practice is closed today for staff training to ensure we continue providing you with the best care possible. We will re-open at 9 AM tomorrow. 🕗
For any dental emergencies, please use the appropriate contact numbers below:
🅿️🅿️ Practice Plan Patients – Call 0808 1698 117 📞
🚨 All Other Patients – Please call 111 📞
We’d like to remind our membership patients that calling the above emergency numbers during our working hours may incur a charge. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Our practice will be open first thing on Wednesday morning, we have additional emergency slots and we will do our best to accommodate you. Thank you for your understanding! 😊
#StaffTraining #ContinuousImprovement #EmergencyCover #BackTomorrow
🚑 First Aid Champions! 🏥
Recently, Laura and Jo attended a First Aider’s course provided by the North East Ambulance Service. Thanks to their training, they are now fully equipped and confident in providing first aid support to both our team and patients whenever needed.
At our workplace, all staff also attend annual CPR and Basic Life Support training, ensuring we’re always prepared to respond in an emergency. 💙
A huge well done to Laura and Jo for taking this important step in keeping everyone safe! 👏👏
#FirstAidTraining #SafetyFirst #CPR #Teamwork #NorthEastAmbulanceService 🚑💙
✨ Smile Transformation Alert! ✨
One of our lovely patients came to us wanting to replace her upper front central tooth, which was loose and had an exposed root and discoloration. After exploring her options, she chose a Dental Implant for a long-lasting, natural-looking solution.
🦷 Here’s what we did:
✅ Extracted the tooth & performed a gum graft to improve recession
✅ Provided a temporary crown for a seamless transition
✅ Completed teeth whitening for a brighter smile
✅ Finally, fitted her permanent implant crown—and just look at that result! 😍
Her smile is now beautifully restored, and she couldn’t be happier! 💙
If you have a loose, discolored tooth, exposed roots, or an old crown/bridge, we can help!
📞 Call us: 0191 2368191
📧 Email us: implants.brunswick@gmail.com
🌐 www.brunswickdental.dental
#BrunswickDental #SmileTransformation #DentalImplants #GumGrafts #CosmeticDentistry #HappyPatient
🌟✨ Gum Recession Surgery now available at Brunswick Dental! ✨🌟
Have you ever wondered if gum loss can be repaired? The answer is YES! 💪 Here’s a recent success story where Nigel performed perio surgery to correct gum recession on a delighted patient. 🦷
📸 Photo 1: Before surgery, the circled area reveals the patient’s gum recession above the tooth.
📸 Photo 2: Nigel skillfully removed healthy soft tissue from the roof of the mouth for a gum graft, then stitched the site.
📸 Photo 3: Witness the gum graft in position, soon to fuse seamlessly with surrounding gum tissue.
📸 Photo 4: Just a few weeks post-surgery, the roof of the mouth is fully healed.
📸 Photo 5: 8 weeks post-surgery, behold the incredible success! The gum graft has beautifully fixed the patient’s gum recession, leaving them with a radiant and confident smile. 😁🌈
🎉 A very happy patient who can now smile with confidence! 🎉
#GumRecessionRepaired #ConfidentSmiles #DentistNewcastle #DentalCare #SmileMakeover #PeriodontalSurgery
✨ Smile Transformation by Dr. Gough! ✨
Another amazing smile makeover! This patient’s journey included:
✔ Extractions & hygiene treatment
✔ Immediate dentures – a temporary solution placed right after extractions to restore function and maintain appearance
✔ Upper complete denture & lower partial denture – once the extraction sites healed and the gums stabilised, permanent dentures were custom-made for the patient.
💡 What are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are custom-made prosthetic teeth placed on the same day as tooth extractions. They help protect the gums, support healing, and ensure you never go without teeth!
Now, they can smile with confidence again! 😁💙
Thinking about a smile makeover? Book a consultation with Dr. Gough today! 📞 Call 0191 236 8191 to get started.
#SmileMakeover #BeforeAndAfter #DrGough #ConfidentSmile #ImmediateDentures #DentistNewcastle
🦷✨ Happy National Dentist Day! ✨🦷
Here at Brunswick Dental, we want to give a huge shoutout to our amazing dentists who work tirelessly to keep Brunswick smiling! 😁💙 Their dedication, skill, and care make a difference in our patients’ lives every single day.
We’re so lucky to have such a fantastic team—thank you for all that you do! 👏💙
Show some love for our wonderful dentists in the comments! 👇💬
#NationalDentistDay #BrunswickDental #ThankYouDentists #KeepingBrunswickSmiling
