Dental Hygiene

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease and periodontitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Once it sets in, the toxins produced by the bacteria damage the teeth’s connective tissue and bone, effectively destroying them.

Gum disease is caused by sticky plaque and hard deposits of tartar. It happens when teeth and gums are not kept clean enough. Without regular cleaning the gums will come away from the tooth creating pockets around the teeth where food and plaque collects. Pockets are difficult to keep clean and gum disease will get worse if treatment is not carried out.

Unchecked, gum disease progresses to bone loss around teeth which loosens them until they have to be taken out. Severe gum disease can be an inherited factor or an indicator of problems with general health. Scientists have discovered that periodontal disease is linked to coronary heart disease and stroke, especially for people who smoke or have high blood pressure.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a very common oral health problem that can lead to self-esteem issues, low confidence and affect job prospects and relationships.

While bad breath originates in the mouth 80% of the time, at other times it is a symptom of underlying disease that needs the earliest possible treatment. Certain illnesses such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems, nasal or stomach conditions and “dry mouth” (xerostomia) that affects the flow of saliva can be the cause of bad breath.

Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases of the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Smoking and a poor diet can add to the problem. Dental problems account for the majority of breath disorders. These can range from broken, leaking fillings or obvious infections to impacted teeth and calculus build up that can harbour odour-causing bacteria. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and cause an unpleasant smell.