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Do you think you have gum disease? Our dentists and dental hygienists at Bow Lane Dental Group in Central London are here to help.

There are lots of reasons why you may develop gum disease, and we find a lot of patients asking similar questions such as; How do I know I have gum disease? How do I treat gum disease? And, how do I stop receding gums?

At Bow Lane Dental, we are proud to offer a wide range of gum care services to suit your needs. We have Dental Hygienists for routine maintenance of the gums and polishing teeth, and also offer specialist treatment with our Periodontist Dr Nikita Patel.

We’ve answered some of our patients frequently asked questions to help you understand more on the importance of gum care and what gum disease actually is.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease (gingivitis) often occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene. Gum disease is a common condition that results in the gums being red, swollen, bleed and bad breath. Also, in the UK, nine out of every ten people have gum disease, even if it’s only a small amount. A lot of people don’t know they have it until it is too late.

What is Periodontitis?

The nest stage is periodontal disease. They are infections that affect the structures that hold in your teeth, which include your gums, bone and the periodontal ligament (this supports your tooth). Periodontal disease is mainly caused by the build-up of various bacteria in dental plaque, but it can also be linked to genetics, smoking, medications, stress and poor nutrition.

Periodontitis is a more advanced gum disease where the inner layer of the patient’s gum pulls away from the tooth and the bone shrinks, causing pockets to form. These pockets can collect debris and become infected. Toxins in the bacteria found in plaque, therefore they begin to break down the bone and surrounding connective tissues, which can lead to permanent loss of teeth.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease where bacteria in plaque builds up and causes gums to become swollen and inflamed. They may also bleed during tooth brushing. Left untreated, some cases may lead to Periodontitis. They may also bleed during tooth brushing.

Are there any early warning signs of gum disease (gingivitis)?

Gum disease can often go unnoticed. Symptoms of gum disease can include bleeding gums, gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Gums can appear red and swollen; whereas others may notice bad breath and even a bad taste in the mouth.

Will gum disease go away by itself?

In the early stages of gum disease, you can often improve the symptoms with improvements in brushing and flossing or interdental sticks. If you are suffering with a more severe case of gum disease such as periodontitis, you will need to see care from a hygienist or Periodontist.

What will happen if it is left untreated?

Most importantly, if gum disease is left untreated, the chances are that it could lead to more complicated dental problems further down the line, including losing your tooth. It is best to consult your Dentist who can create a personalised treatment plan.

Does mouthwash help gum disease?

Think of mouthwash as an aftershave or perfume. You can use it occasionally to freshen your breath and speed up the healing of mouth ulcers and if you have a wisdom tooth coming through. Above all, it is important to note that using mouthwash alone can’t prevent gingivitis.

If you’re not too sure what oral care products to use, our team have put together this helpful list of recommended products for you. You can find most of them in your local high-street stores, pharmacies or even online.

Meet our Dental Hygienists

Meet Brooke Shipp, Renate Putrus and Sarah Urquhart, our dental hygienists at Bow Lane Dental Group. Every patient at our practice is different, that’s why we tailor your oral hygiene routine specifically for you. Our hygienists will recommend oral care products that suit your needs and help you improve your overall mouth health.

If you need further treatment, you may be referred to our gum specialist Dr Nikita Patel. Nikita is extremely passionate about helping patients overcome dental anxiety and making them feel at ease, whilst providing the highest quality of care.

If you would like to know more about Nikita, you can read about her here.

How to book your hygiene appointment

There are a number of ways you can get in touch to book your hygiene appointment. You can call us on 020 7236 3600 or email reception@bowlanedental.com. Alternatively, you can use our online booking system, which includes a live booking.