Gum Disease Dentists & Treatments in Elephant & Castle
- Chosen and trusted by hundreds of patients in Lambeth and Southwark
- 200+ five-star Google Reviews and growing
- Gum disease experts are on-site and available daily
- A five-minute walk from Elephant and Castle tube station
Mint Dental Clinic is a local London dentist in Elephant and Castle, serving patients near Waterloo, Southbank, Blackfriars, Embankment and Kennington.
Gum disease or periodontitis is a widespread condition, but that does not mean to say that it’s not preventable.
Usually, as a result of poor oral hygiene, gum disease often occurs when patients neglect their oral health or avoid getting regular dental check-ups.
By frequently visiting the dentist and hygienist, we can improve the chances of successful periodontitis treatment, as well as reduce the chance of developing the condition, to begin with.
However, we understand that the symptoms and consequences of gum disease can be frightening. But don’t worry; Mint Dental Clinic employs gum and periodontal care specialists who know how to repair your smile and possibly reverse the condition.
Dental treatments we offer in Elephant & Castle
Fillings | Root Canal | Dental Crowns | Hygienist | Tooth Extractions
Symptoms of gum disease
The below points will walk you through the signs and symptoms of each stage and progression of gum disease. While we do not advocate for self-diagnosis, here are the potential signs that often point toward a gum infection:
Early warning signs of gingivitis:
- Swollen and or red, puffy gums
- Bleeding gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Tender, sore gums and teeth
Signs of periodontal disease:
- Receding gums
- Black triangular-shaped pockets between teeth
- Loose and sensitive teeth
- Pain when chewing or eating
Worrying symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Exposed tooth roots
- New spaces developing between teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
- Changes to your bite / how teeth fit together
- Tooth loss
When to see our London dentists
Even if you display the early signs of gum disease (gingivitis), we advise you to book an appointment with one of our periodontists urgently.
The sooner you act and seek care, the better your chances of reversing the damage.
When gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, there will be nothing we can do to reverse the condition completely, but we will be able to treat it. However, each dental case is unique, and without visiting our specialist gum disease dentist, we will not know what is possible until after a consultation.
With gum disease, time is against you. Patients are advised to act quickly to preserve and save their oral condition.
Causes and risk factors
In many cases, the development of periodontitis often begins with plaque and tartar build-up. Plaque consists of bacteria as a sticky film on the teeth and gums.
When left untreated, plaque turns into tartar, and tartar advances to periodontitis.
Here’s the journey:
- Plaque forms on the teeth when teeth are not brushed twice daily as plaque re-forms quickly.
- Plaque begins to harden under the gum line and turns into tartar (calculus), which stays on your teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. The longer plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the more damage they cause.
- The mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis, develops and begins to irritate and inflame your gums. At this stage, gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and outstanding at-home oral care and hygiene.
- Ongoing inflammation in the gums leads to periodontal disease, which eventually causes pockets to form between teeth. In time, these pockets deepen and fill with more and more bacteria. When not treated, these infections cause tissue and bone loss in the jaw, which consequently causes tooth loss of one or more teeth. As a side note, ongoing and chronic inflammation strains your immune system.
Risk factors that can worsen the condition include smoking, poor oral health habits, hormonal changes, obesity, poor nutrition and genetics.
Prevention and treatment
The most obvious way to prevent periodontitis is to follow a strong oral hygiene program and visit a dental hygienist or gum specialist regularly.
Sadly, there is no quick fix at home, and once the problem begins to grow out of control and tartar begins to form, the only way to get better is to involve a dental professional. Without involving us in the early stages, you’ll allow your gum disease to progress and put yourself at risk of losing your otherwise perfect, natural teeth.
To prevent gum disease, we would advise visiting the hygienist regularly for cleanings, often every six months.
The best way to prevent periodontitis is to follow a program of good oral hygiene, one that you begin early and practise consistently throughout life. For those with particular risk factors that could increase their chances of developing periodontitis, you might require professional cleaning more often.
SEE WHAT THE DENTIST SAYS
Directions to our practice in Elephant and Castle
- Address: 3 St. Georges Court, Garden Row, Elephant & Castle, London SE1 6HD. Get directions.
- Reviews: ★★★★★ (200+ Google Reviews).
- Telephone: 020 7928 4474.
Car parking spaces are available near the practice (Colnbrook Street).
Affordable dental finance on all treatments over £995.00
