Gum Disease Dentists & Treatments in Waterloo

• Chosen and trusted by hundreds of patients in Lambeth and Southwark
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• Gum disease experts are on-site and available daily
• Our London clinic is only a short, 10-minute walk from Waterloo station
• We are two stops on the Bakerloo Line

Mint Dental Clinic is a local London dentist in Waterloo, serving patients near South Bank, Blackfriars, Embankment and Kennington.

Gum disease or periodontitis is a widespread condition, but that does not mean to say that it’s not preventable. It occurs when patients neglect their oral health or avoid getting regular dental check-ups. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene.

By frequently visiting the dentist and hygienist, we can improve the chances of successful periodontitis treatment and reduce the chance of developing the condition in the first place.

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 can repair your smile and possibly reverse the condition.

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, which advances to periodontitis.

Here’s the journey:

1. Plaque forms on the teeth when teeth are not brushed twice daily as plaque re-forms quickly.
2. 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.
3. The mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis, develops and begins to irritate and inflame your gums. Gingivitis can be reversed at this stage with professional treatment and outstanding at-home oral care and hygiene.
4. 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 regularly visit a dental hygienist or gum specialist.

Sadly, there is no quick fix at home, and once the problem grows out of control and tartar begins to form, the only way to get better is to see a dental professional. Without involving us in the early stages, you’ll allow your gum disease to progress and risk 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 good oral hygiene program, which 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.

• 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