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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🌟 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
🌟 Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace 🌟
We’re proud to share that our amazing Practice Manager, Sarah, has recently completed an intensive 4-day Mental Health course! 👏
Through this training, she has gained a deeper understanding of mental health and wellbeing and can now identify early signs and symptoms of mental health concerns. This means she’s even better equipped to support our team and promote a positive, healthy workplace. 💙
Mental health matters, and we’re committed to ensuring our staff feel supported every step of the way! 💬✨
#MentalHealthMatters #WellbeingAtWork #SupportingOurTeam #MentalHealthAwareness #BrunswickDental
✨ Another Smile Restored at Brunswick Dental! ✨
Nigel has worked his magic once again! This patient came to us feeling self-conscious about a growing gap between her teeth and discomfort while eating. She wanted a permanent, fixed solution – and that’s exactly what Nigel delivered!
With a single dental implant, a gum graft, and a custom crown, her smile is beautifully restored. And here’s the best part – even during the healing process, she had a fixed temporary crown! This means no gap or denture was needed while the implant was settling. Not only is she smiling with confidence, but she’s also enjoying her favourite foods again! 🍽️😁
Considering dental implants? Don’t wait any longer! Book your FREE dental implant consultation today:
📞 Call us on 0191 236 8191
📧 Email our dedicated implant nurse at implants.brunswick@gmail.com
#BrunswickDental #DentalImplants #SmileRestoration #ConfidentSmile #DentalCare #NoMoreGaps #DentsplySirona #DentalImplantsNewcastle
🦷✨ National Children’s Dental Health Month! ✨🦷
Choosing the right toothbrush for your child is the first step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles! 💙 At Brunswick Dental , we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the best choice.
Check out our latest blog now 👉 Link in bio!
#ChildrensDentalHealthMonth #HealthySmiles #BrunswickDental #OralHealth #KidsToothbrush #DentalCare #ParentingTips #DentistNewcastle #
🎉 500 Followers! 🎉
A huge THANK YOU to each and every one of you for your support, likes, comments, and shares! 💙 Your engagement means the world to us, and we’re so grateful to have such an amazing community.
Let’s keep smiling together! 😁 Keep following @brunswick.dental for more updates, tips, and dental care insights. 🦷✨ #ThankYou #500Followers BrunswickDental #DentistNewcastle #NewPatients
🦷 Do you grind your teeth?
Excessive teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear down enamel, leaving your teeth looking shorter, chipped, or uneven. Composite bonding is a simple and effective way to restore and reshape your teeth, giving you back a natural, healthy smile!
✨ Are you looking to restore your smile this year?
Composite bonding is a minimally invasive, pain-free solution that:
✔ Repairs chipped, worn, or discoloured teeth
✔ Closes small gaps without braces
✔ Reshapes uneven teeth for a more symmetrical look
✔ Provides instant results in just one visit!
👨⚕️ Dr. Gough is here to help!
Whether you grind your teeth or just want a smile makeover, composite bonding could be the perfect solution for you. Book a consultation with Dr. Gough at Brunswick Dental today and take the first step toward your dream smile!
📅 Appointments available from April, call us today 0191 236 8191
#BrunswickDental #CompositeBonding #SmileMakeover #HealthySmile #TeethGrinding #Bruxism #CosmeticDentistry #NewcastleDentist
