Gumsmart

FAQs about gum disease

Q. My gums bleed a little when I brush my teeth. It’s happened for the last 2 weeks. Is this something I should be concerned about or am I just brushing too hard?
From the symptoms described, it sounds like you may have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. This is definitely not something you should ignore as gum disease is in fact the biggest cause of tooth loss in the UK. It is recommended that you visit your dentist or hygienist to help you treat your gum problem as soon as possible. They will make sure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and get rid of any hardened deposits on your teeth that may be helping the plaque to congregate. Use of a medicated mouthwash such as Corsodyl can also help to treat and prevent gum disease. Don't panic – it's easily dealt with – the most important thing though is to take action now!
Q. My dentist told me I have gum disease. What is it and how did I get it?
Gum disease can be caused by a build up of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is the sticky layer which collects on the surface of your teeth and gums. In time it can harden to form tartar. The bacteria in the plaque then attacks your gums and can cause gum disease. Some people are more susceptible than others which is why they get gum disease. Don't worry, you are not alone, as many as 90% of the population suffer from gum disease in some form at some point in their life. The problem can usually be easily dealt with by following a good oral hygiene regime, treatment from your dentist and by a course of specially formulated medicated mouthwash, such as Corsodyl, which is widely available from supermarkets and pharmacies.
Q. My mother has recently been told she has gingivitis. I am worried I may get it too. Is there anything I can do to prevent it?
Gingivitis, or gum disease, isn't hereditary but it is more common than you think - as many as 90% of the population suffer from gum disease at some point in their life. Some people are more susceptible than others though, so the best defence is to practice good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, use floss to remove plaque from between your teeth, and, of course, regular visits to the dentist will also help.
Q. My gums bleed slightly when I eat hard foods like apples. Why is this happening?
Bleeding gums when eating certain foods – such as apples - is a common sign of early gum disease. If you are worried about the health of your gums you should visit your dentist. If your gums are affected, don't worry you are not alone - as many as 90% of the population suffer from gum disease at some point in their life. Your dentist or hygienist will help you treat it by making sure your teeth are thoroughly clean. They will remove any hardened deposits on your teeth (tartar) that they may be helping the plaque to congregate. Use of a medicated mouthwash such as Corsodyl can also help to treat and prevent gum disease.
Q. I really don't like going to the dentist but I am worried about getting gum disease. Where can I find out more information and what is the best course of action?
If you think you may already have gum disease a visit to the dentist or hygienist is always recommended. If you wish to prevent gum disease there are ways to do so:
  • Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day for at least two minutes
  • Use floss or interdental brushes at least once a day to clean between teeth and remove plaque
  • Visit your dentist regularly
  • Use a specially formulated mouthwash, such as Corsodyl
  • If you are a smoker, give up as this makes gum disease worse
Q. My gums have bled since my last pregnancy. At the time my dentist told me it was nothing to worry about and that it would probably go after giving birth, but it hasn't. Should I be worried?
50% of women experience gingivitis, commonly identified as bleeding gums, during pregnancy as the hormone changes in the body make the gums more susceptible to gingivitis. As the symptoms haven’t cleared up it is advisable to go back to your dentist as soon as possible explaining your experience.

The best form of treatment for gingivitis is correct brushing technique combined with regular flossing. You can also use a medicated mouthwash, such as Corsodyl.
Q. Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one?
Recent research suggests there are short and long term benefits to brushing with an electric toothbrush, in particular those with an oscillating head. Manual toothbrushes, when used correctly (see our brushing guide) are also an effective means of maintaining good oral hygiene. Dentists recommend you should replace your toothbrush every three months.
Q. My gums only bleed when I floss – should I stop flossing?
Brushing your teeth only cleans up to 60 per cent of your tooth surfaces, so you can see why flossing is so important in helping to prevent gum disease. Flossing before brushing loosens the bacteria and plaque, which allows it to be brushed away more easily.

Well done for flossing, but if your gums bleed when you floss its probably worth re-examining your flossing technique. See our flossing guide. You may also need to check with your dentist, there may be a reason for the bleeding such as a rough edge to a filling or a small piece of tartar that can be quickly and easily sorted out.
Q. Will treatment with Corsodyl have any side-effects?
When using Corsodyl, drinking tea, coffee or red wine can cause discolouration of the tongue and teeth. This is not permanent - tongue staining disappears after treatment stops and tooth discolouration is normally removed by brushing.
Staining can generally be avoided by:

(i) Not drinking tea, coffee or red wine - especially for the first hour after use
(ii) Brushing daily with a toothpaste, and thoroughly rinsing your mouth with fresh water before using Corsodyl.

Should tooth discolouration remain, this can be removed by a simple scale and polish from your dentist or hygienist.
Q. Sometimes when I brush my teeth there are traces of blood in my saliva – does this mean I have gum disease?
Traces of blood in your saliva is a tell tale sign of gum disease – healthy gums don’t bleed on a regular basis and it is advisable to visit your dentist. It is likely they will advise you to use a specially formulated medicated mouthwash, such as Corsodyl, which can be used as an aid to help treat and prevent gingivitis, or gum disease.

HOW YOU CAN HELP TO FIX IT
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