Archive for Emergency Dentist

What to do with a chipped tooth

Chipped tooth

Imagine you’re out bowling with friends. You strut to the lane with the ball, swing your arm back, and – smack! You’ve accidentally hit your friend in the face! Now she has a chipped front tooth. So what do you do?

How can a tooth chip?

A tooth can chip when you:

  • Bite down on something hard
  • Fall and hit your mouth on the ground
  • Get hit in the mouth

Incisors often chip after a blow to the mouth, because of their vulnerable position at the front of the mouth. Molars are more susceptible to chipping when chewing hard foods.

What’s it like to have a chipped tooth?

You will usually quickly notice the sharp area with your tongue. A chipped tooth probably won’t hurt unless the broken piece is large.

What to do if you’ve chipped a tooth

  • Phone your dentist as soon as possible to make a non-emergency appointment. A chipped tooth is only a non-emergency and may not need treatment at all. But you should still see your dentist because she will be able to file down the chipped area and check for any hidden damage.
  • Bring the tooth fragment to the dentist appointment because she may be able to reattach it. In the meantime, store the fragment safely in a container and cover it with milk or saliva.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if the tooth is painful.
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water as a natural disinfectant.
  • If your damaged tooth is now sharp and jagged, cover it with wax paraffin or sugarless gum to prevent it cutting your tongue, lips and cheeks.
  • Avoid chewing hard food with the injured tooth because it may cause more of the tooth to break off.

At the dentist

The dental treatment you will require will depend on the severity of the damage.

  • Minimal: The smallest chips do not require any treatment at all.
  • Small: A very small chip can simply be smoothed down by your dentist and will not need to be filled.
  • Medium: For a medium-sized chip, the dentist will either make a filling or reattach the original chipped piece of tooth. If the tooth is a molar, then it might require a crown (a cap that covers your tooth) if the chewing surface is damaged.
  • Large: A severely broken tooth might mean an exposed nerve. In this case you will probably need a root canal to remove the damaged nerve, as well as a crown or a cap to replace the chipped tooth. This is more serious than a minor chip and you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

What if it’s more serious than a chip?

You should seek the nearest emergency dentist immediately if your tooth is cracked, badly broken or knocked out completely. You can tell when you have a cracked tooth because pain will occur when you release a bite, but not when you bite down. You should also see a dentist immediately if you think you have nerve damage, which is characterised by persistent pain.

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Walsall Emergency Dentist

Emergency practice:

Having once been the designated NHS emergency dental practice for the Birmingham and West Midland area, Scott Arms Dental Practice is well equipped to treat large numbers of emergency patients. Our dentists have extensive experience in all matters of dental emergency and, as a practice, we have treated over 100,000 emergencies in our 20 years of out-of-hours service.

We currently provide the largest service for emergency care in the West Midlands, offering appointments and treating walk-in patients up to 11 o clock at night.

Opening hours and appointments:

Call 0121 357 5000 to arrange an appointment, a walk-in slot, or for 24-hour advice over the weekend.

Emergencies patients can be seen from 9am to 11pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We offer a walk-in service during these times, but recommend phoning beforehand (the earlier the better) to arrange an appointment time and avoid a wait. Over the weekend, our dentists’ time is dedicated entirely to emergency patients and even NHS appointments can be offered each day on a first-come-first-serve basis.

If you have a problem between 11pm and 9am on a weekend, telephone our helpline, 0121 357 5000, to speak to one of our nurses; we’ll be able to give you advice on pain management and arrange an appointment for you for the following morning.

Travelling to us:

By bus – Scott Arms Dental Practice is located only five minutes from Walsall town and is easily connected via bus routes 51 and x51, which travel regularly 7 days a week. These same buses also connect both Walsall and Scott Arms Dental Practice to Birmingham city centre.

By train – The nearest railway station is Hamstead station, situated a twenty minute walk or short bus journey away.

By car – The practice is on Walsall road (A34), half a mile from junction 7 of the M6. We have on-site parking and can direct you to nearby car parks if we are full.

Dental emergencies:

Managing dental pain at home:

  • Over-the-counter pain medication may ease a variety of dental pains. Most often recommended are ibuprofen to ease discomfort of an inflammatory nature (such as toothache and soft-tissue trauma) and paracetamol. Stronger analgesics include co-codamol, which contains paracetamol and codeine. For maximum effect, paracetamol and ibuprofen (or co-codamol and ibuprofen) can be taken at staggered intervals. Always read the instructions before taking analgesics and beware of taking paracetamol tablets alongside other paracetamol-containing medications. For more information about paracetamol safety, read our related article.
  • Alternative anti-inflammatories may be even more effective than ibuprofen; Naproxen (branded Aleve) is a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen but is often found to work exceedingly well against toothache. Always read the label before consuming and take caution when using Aleve alongside other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
  • Difflam is an oral rinse/spray specifically designed for relief of oral pain. It contains an anti-inflammatory and an anaesthetic to reduce inflammation and provide numbness. Difflam is recommended for sore throats, ulcers and pain following dental surgery. As previously mentioned, read the label before using and speak to your dentist if you intend to use Difflam after any type of dental surgery.
  • Half a teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in one cup of warm water can be used as a soothing and antibacterial rinse for a number of dental discomforts; any soft tissue lesion (ulcers, abscesses and inflammation associated with wisdom tooth eruption) will benefit from regular salt-water rinses. Take care not to use too much salt, as it can cause irritation.
    A hot compress (such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket) may be useful in alleviating muscular pain, often caused by jaw joint disorders or trauma. Cold or hot compresses can also be used to ease toothache, though be sure to only apply for a maximum of ten minutes to avoid a burn.
  • If you are suffering with dental pain during the night, sleep with an extra pillow under your head; raising the site of pain will slightly reduce the blood flow to the area, thus minimising inflammation.
  • Both clove oil and vanilla extract have been indicated for topical pain relief from toothache.

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Severe pain following a tooth extraction

Some degree of discomfort can be expected following a tooth extraction and this is often managed with the use of common analgesics, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. However, sometimes when pain becomes particularly severe following an extraction, a condition called ‘dry socket’ can be suspected.
Dry Socket after tooth extraction
Dry Socket
 

Dry socket occurs when the bone from an extraction site becomes exposed to the oral environment. In most extraction sites a blood clot forms and protects the socket and promotes healing; this blood clot can be lost or broken down, compromising the health of the underlying bone. It is a relatively common complication of tooth extraction, with an incidence rate of anywhere between 0.5-30% depending on the nature of the extraction: non-surgical extractions can cause dry socket in approximately 1% of cases, where surgical extractions have been quoted to cause dry socket in up to 30% of cases.

Risk factors for dry socket

While dry socket can occur in any extraction site, there are some situations where there is a greater risk. These include:

  • Extraction sites near areas of infection
  • Smoking
  • Frequently rinsing the mouth or spitting after an extraction
  • Playing with the extraction site
  • Oral contraception
  • Having a wisdom tooth removed

As instructed by your dentist, following a tooth extraction you should keep the area as undisturbed as possible. Ceasing smoking, alcohol and heavy exercise around the time of a dental extraction is recommended. Using mouthwash or spitting for 48 hours after the extraction is advised against, but gentle salt-water rinses from 24 hours can help keep the area clean.

Symptoms of dry socket

  • Severe pain initiating 2-4 days after the extraction
  • Pain radiating to the ear or temple
  • A bad smell originating from the mouth
  • A bad taste
  • Visible bone in the extraction site

What to do if you think you have dry socket

If you suspect you are suffering from dry socket the most important thing to do is to make an emergency appointment with the dentist. The dentist will be able to clean the site and place a medicated dressing inside that can help ease the pain and promote healing. Other than taking analgesics, unfortunately there is very little else that can be done once dry socket has occurred and it can take between 10 and 40 days to fully heal. Regular trips to the dentist over that period for medicated dressing may be necessary and continued use of gentle warm salt rinses. Avoiding food that is likely to leave particles behind that can get caught in the extraction site is also a good idea.

If you suspect you have dry socket, contact Scott Arms Dental Practice now to arrange an appointment on 0121 357 5000

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West Midlands Emergency Dentists

Same Day Emergency Dental Service

Offering both emergency and general dental treatment, the Scott Arms Dental Practice sees and treats one of the highest number of emergency treatment patients in the West Midlands area. Having once been the official out-of-hours emergency contact for the Birmingham Dental Hospital patients, Scott Arms have over two decades worth of emergency management and specialise in same-day appointments with fast and effective pain relief.

Open all Year Round – Including Christmas

Open 365 days a year to treat any dental emergency, Scott Arms is a consistent provider of immediate treatment. Emergency appointments are available on the same day up until 11:00pm. We also operate a help-line which runs 24 hours over the weekend: our highly-trained nurses and are experienced at offering dental advice and can book you in for the first appointment of the following day at any time of night.

Dental Emergencies

The following are all described as dental emergencies by the West Midland Emergency Dentists:

Dental emergencies most commonly involve toothache, though Scott Arms Dental Practice is experienced at dealing with and treating all of the above.

Emergency Dental Advice

If you are suffering from toothache and aren’t available to see us, feel free to call one of our nurses for advice. Furthermore, below you will find some common alleviating home remedies to help ease the discomfort:

  • Take standard pain medication such as ibuprofen. Co-codamol is often recommended as it contains both paracetamol and codeine, which can both be taken alongside ibuprofen for thorough pain relief. A successful way of incorporating all these drugs to maximum effect is to stagger their use. Always read the leaflet provided before taking any of these medications as they are not appropriate for everyone.
  • Both Aleve (naproxen sodium) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) have been suggested as particularly effective against pain of dental origin. As before, always read the leaflet before consuming any medication.
  • Warm salt-water rinses are always recommended for soft-tissue injuries. Swollen gums, irritated soft tissues, painful wisdom teeth, abscesses and previous extraction sites can all usually be eased by a gentle rinse with warm salt water.
  • If you can’t see a dentist until the next morning, sleep with an extra pillow at night. Having the wound slightly higher will reduce the blood flow to the area, limiting inflammation.
  • Clove oil can be used directly on a sore tooth to help ease pain.
  • Difflam can be bought at a number of pharmacies and is effective at easing any soft tissue pain. Be sure to read the label and use appropriately.
  • Ice/heat compress – wrapping either ice cubes or a heated press in a blanket and applying it to the face in the area of pain can often help. Sometimes you will know whether hot or cold will be most alleviating. Hot presses are often recommended for muscular pains, such as those associated with jaw joint pain, while cold presses may be better at easing tooth ache. Don’t use the pack for more than ten minutes at a time to avoid injury.
  • Vanilla extract (not essence) can help ease tooth ache when applied to the tooth in question. It contains a low level of alcohol, which provides a numbing effect. The scent is often thought to be calming too.

Call Now for Emergency Dental Treatment

To make an appointment for West Midlands emergency treatment or to receive dental emergency advice, call 0121 357 5000, available until 11pm Mon-Thurs and 24 hours Fri-Sun.

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A sensitive issue – Sensitive teeth problems

Sensitive teeth problems and how a dentist can help

Many people, at one point or another, have suffered with sensitive teeth. A huge range of products are on the market, offering to rid us of this annoying discomfort. But what is the cause of tooth sensitivity? How can we avoid getting it, and do the treatments available really work?

Studies from the past few years have shown that over 50% of the population will experience sensitivity at some point in their life. Many of these people fail to mention the problem to their dentist, so the issue can never be resolved. For some people, sensitivity is a discomfort that forces them to modify their eating habits and has an effect of their quality of life.

Tooth sensitivity, when not caused by decay, trauma or infection, is due to a communication between the outside environment and the dental pulp (the soft mass of living tissue inside each tooth). This stems from a loss or thinning of the protective layer that encases our teeth, known as enamel, which consequently exposes the underlying dentine. Dentine is a much softer material than enamel and is penetrated by tubules that travel all the way through the thickness of the tooth to the pulp. When the dentine becomes exposed, water inside these tubules can be altered by temperature fluctuations. This in turn stimulates the nerve endings inside the dental pulp, causing the sensation of a sharp sensitivity.

Dentine can become exposed in two ways: the enamel over the top of it can be worn down through abrasion (e.g. aggressive tooth brushing), attrition (e.g. grinding teeth together) or erosion (e.g. an acidic diet). The other cause is gum recession, which exposes a type of dentine (root dentine) that doesn’t have any natural protection other than a soft tissue covering. Periodontal disease (a disease causing the tissues around teeth to recede and deplete) also exposes root dentine. The most recent Adult Dental Health Survey stated that 45% of adults have active periodontal disease and 15% have tooth wear that exposes underlying dentine. This makes for a large proportion of people suffering with sensitivity.

So how can we protect ourselves? To prevent the likelihood of ever suffering from sensitivity you should protect your enamel in the following ways:

  • follow a low acid diet
  • don’t brush too roughly
  • practice good interdental cleaning with floss to prevent periodontal disease
  • speak to a dentist if you suspect you grind your teeth

However, for some people sensitivity is something that cannot be avoided. In these instances, and for those where prevention can no longer be of aid, treatment is a necessity. In terms of home remedies, treatment comes in two options: materials that can ‘calm’ the nerve in the dental pulp or materials that ‘block’ the dental tubules so stimulation cannot occur. Toothpastes that claim to ‘calm’ the nerve contain potassium nitrate, like Sensodyne Total Care F, but there is no clear evidence to prove that this mechanism of sensitivity relief works. ‘Blocking’ the tubules, however, appears to be a long-lasting and effective way of managing sensitivity. These toothpastes include Sensodyne Rapid Relief and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, which contain materials such as calcium carbonate or strontium acetate that are able to effectively block dentine tubules. For maximum sensitivity relief, brush with these toothpastes at least twice a day (without rinsing afterwards) and apply the paste to sensitive areas with a fingertip at night.

While these toothpastes have had much success, here are a couple of examples of treatments that your dentist can do to help ease your sensitivity:

  • Covering exposed root surfaces with filling materials
  • Applying fluoride varnishes to weakened teeth to help strengthen them

With all these options available to ease sensitivity, you needn’t suffer in silence. Speak to your dentist about this very common problem and together you can find the right treatment for you.

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My teeth wobble, what should I do?

As a child, losing a tooth was often an exciting event, with the anticipation of the tooth fairy’s arrival and the promise of a new, grown-up tooth taking its place. However, as an adult, the discovery of a wobbly tooth can be concerning, as it may indicate a more serious dental issue. If you have a wobbly tooth as an adult, here are some steps you can take to address the issue.

Don’t panic

The first step when you notice a wobbly tooth is to remain calm. It’s essential to remember that adult teeth can sometimes become loose due to a variety of reasons, and it doesn’t always mean that you will lose the tooth. Staying calm can help you think more clearly and take appropriate steps.

See a dentist

You will need to see a dentist. How soon you need to see a dentist will depend on the cause of your wobbly tooth.

Wobbly tooth due to trauma

If you have recently suffered trauma to your mouth or face, the wobbly tooth could be a sign of a dental emergency, and you should see a dentist immediately. Come to our clinic or call us to make an emergency appointment for immediate medical attention.

Wobbly tooth due to tooth decay

Other common causes of wobbly teeth include gum disease or tooth decay. If you suspect that the wobbly tooth is due to gum disease or tooth decay, an emergency appointment may not be necessary but make an appointment with us anyway as soon as possible. We will be able to examine your mouth and teeth and determine the cause of the issue.

Depending on the severity of the problem, your dentist may recommend treatment such as a filling, root canal, or extraction. Early intervention can prevent further damage and reduce the likelihood of tooth loss.

Take care of your teeth

Regardless of the cause, taking good care of your teeth can help reduce the risk of further damage. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent further damage to your teeth.

Consider replacement options

In the unfortunate event that the tooth cannot be saved, you may need to consider replacement options. Leaving gaps in your teeth can cause issues with your bite, lead to jawbone deterioration, and increase the risk of gum disease. Your dentist can discuss options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures to replace the missing tooth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have a wobbly tooth as an adult, don’t panic. Take good care of your teeth, identify the cause, and visit your dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent further damage and increase the likelihood of saving the tooth. Remember, your dentist is there to help you maintain good oral health, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice.

Posted in: Emergency Dentist, General Dentistry, Toothache

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Can you go to the hospital to see a dentist?

A dentist working at a hospital.

Medical hospitals do not treat standard dental problems, though sometimes more complex dental treatment can be referred to those with oral and maxillofacial surgery departments. However, there are a number of dental hospitals around the UK, such as the Birmingham Dental Hospital, which treat both regular patients and emergencies (much like a dental A&E). As an emergency, you can check in at the hospital and wait to be seen without having made an appointment. Your problem will be diagnosed and often treated by a supervised dental student, rather than a qualified practitioner. In many cases, the department will remove the cause of pain but recommend that you follow up the procedure by either visiting your dentist, or registering with one of the students at the hospital. Though there is often a considerable waiting list, this gives you the opportunity to see one of the students for treatment on a regular basis as they undergo their training. This option is very popular; qualified dentists supervise the students and any treatment undergone (except the making of dentures) is free.

However, if you have a dental problem outside of the dental hospital’s opening hours, there are other emergency dental practices that can see you. In Birmingham, Scott Arms Dental Practice specialises in fast and effective emergency treatment and has seen thousands of emergency patients over its many years in business. You don’t need to be registered and can always guarantee a same-day appointment. Scott Arms Dental Practice sees emergency patients from 9am right up to 11pm, 365 days a week. Outside of these hours there is a 24hr helpline for emergency advice.

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Wisdom Teeth Advice from an Emergency West Midlands Dentist

Wisdom Teeth advice from a West Midlands emergency dentist

Wisdom teeth are your third molars (the most posterior tooth in your mouth) and can be one of the most common causes of dental pain, luckily our emergency dentists in the West Midlands have years of experience dealing with these emergencies. Wisdom teeth are unpredictable teeth, which can either erupt (generally between the ages of 18 and 21) or not erupt at all. In some situations they may not even form; this is relatively common and is arguably beneficial for the person as wisdom teeth have very little functional involvement. Most problems that occur with wisdom teeth happen when they become impacted (stuck against another tooth) or partially erupted (where they only partially protrude from the gum). These problems can cause significant tooth and gum pain. If you are suffering from either of these problems, see one of our dentists as soon as you can. If the tooth is healthy and does not require extraction, he/she will advise you on how best to look after it and how to keep yourself out of pain. If the tooth is infected, decayed or causing damage to other teeth it may need to be extracted, though there is a degree of reluctance in taking out such a posterior tooth (which is renowned for its complex anatomy) if not completely necessary; some people may have to learn to live with wisdom tooth flare-ups and tackle them symptomatically.

Here are some ways to relieve the pain:

  • Place an extra pillow under your head at night – most people find their wisdom teeth cause most pain whilst they are trying to sleep; by lying down more blood can flow to the wisdom tooth, which aggravates the pain caused by the inflammation. Less blood will flow to the area, resulting in less pain, if your head is slightly elevated.
  • Take standard pain medication – One of the most successful medications in combating dental pain is co-codamol, which is a codeine and paracetamol combination medication. You can take ibuprofen alongside co-codamol for maximum pain relief. Two further medications recommended in combating tooth pain are Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium). Be sure to always read the label before taking any medications and never exceed the recommended dose.
  • Clove oil – use a standard clove to alleviate your pain by placing it onto the wisdom tooth, or place a few drops of clove oil onto it instead.
  • Ice pack – hold an ice pack to the sore area to numb the pain. Make sure you only use it for a few minutes at a time as not to cause further pain.
  • Vanilla extract (not vanilla essence) – add a few drops of vanilla extract to the wisdom tooth. It works by numbing the area (as it contains low levels of alcohol) and the scent had proved to be relaxing.
    To ease the gum pain:
  • Warm salt-water rinses – if your wisdom tooth is partially erupted and the gum around it is sore, rinse with warm salt-water. Be sure to force the water to the back of the mouth so it bathes the wisdom tooth.
  • Difflam – this is a liquid that can be purchased from chemists and is good at easing discomfort from sore gum tissue around partially erupted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom tooth care:

  • Interdental cleaning – flossing around your wisdom teeth can be nearly impossible. Try different ways of interdental cleaning like water floss, tepe brushes, dental sticks, etc. to see which one may work for you. If it is futile, try to rinse hard with mouthwash in that area.
  • Keep your wisdom teeth really clean – you can buy special single-tufted brushes, which are good at accessing the back of the mouth, and cleaning under flaps over gum overlying wisdom teeth.

If you’re experiencing further problems with your wisdom teeth and would like to see one of our emergency dentists in the West Midlands please contact the team on 0121 357 5000 where we will be happy to help.

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Is Going To The Dentist Painful?

Dental phobia and anxiety is a common problem in Birmingham

At Scott Arms Dental Practice we, as a team, strive to remove discomfort from our patients through either painless treatment or the removal of toothache. We are keen to help nervous patients overcome their fear of dentistry and help them to realise that pain-free dentistry is the way of the future.

With the practice of modern-day dentistry and the introduction of new technology and medicine, dentistry can be practised efficiently and effectively without the patient being in pain. In fact, it is often the dentist who relieves people of dental pain, rather than introducing it, and is one of the reasons that Scott Arms Dental Practice works 365 days a year as an emergency dental practice: emergency dentists work up until 11pm every day and over-the-phone advice is available all through the night.

Most dental treatment involves the patient needing to keep their mouth open for a period of time. This can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable, but for patients who find it more difficult than others, regular breaks will be offered. Dental treatments generally involve the use of water to keep the teeth clean and cool throughout the procedure, but a nurse is always present with a suction device to remove the water before it bothers you.

All our surgeries have comfortable, state-of-the-art dental chairs installed so you can relax during your time in the practice.
Furthermore, for treatment that would otherwise be painful, local anaesthetic injections are always offered. This involves the introduction of a numbing agent into the tissues, which stops you being able to feel anything. Injections are often hardly felt, but if not, the discomfort will last only a few seconds before the numbness starts to take effect. As a rule, we take every possible action to reduce the discomfort of any procedure, including injections: we purchase the thinnest-gauge needles, which cause minimal tissue trauma, and warm our anaesthetic cartridges to body temperature, both of which reduce the likelihood of the injection being felt. Furthermore, we offer a topical numbing agent, which is placed onto the tissue before the injection is given. After a couple of hours the numbness of the injection will wear off; very rarely there can be mild discomfort following a procedure but this is often eased by the taking of standard pain medication. Nobody likes injections, but rest assured that we at Scott Arms Dental Practice are constantly on the lookout for investments in technology that increase the comfort of our patients.

For people who don’t like going to the dentist at all and would rather be treated under sedation, Scott Arms Dental Practice is the right place to come. We have dentists who have a special interest in dental sedation and as a practice we are keen to provide dental care under your terms. We practise intravenous sedation at our clinic, which is carried out by placing a small needle into the back of your hand and monitoring the levels of sedative we introduce into your bloodstream. Many people opt for dental sedation, whether they are nervous patients or not, as it makes longer dental treatment fly by at maximum comfort. Though it is a conscious sedation, many people cannot remember the experience at all, as if they had been asleep, whilst others describe it as a very relaxing feeling, like having had a few glasses of wine. Speak to your dentist if you’d like to have any of your dental treatments carried out under sedation.

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Are you suffering from Gum Disease?

Gum disease can be helped by periodontal treatment from our Birmingham Dentists

Gum disease affects a large proportion of the UK but some people are simply unaware of it’s presence. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, your gums are swollen or your teeth are starting to wobble you could be suffering from gum disease.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gum that can progress to the bone supporting your teeth. If not removed from daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up on your teeth allowing bacteria to infect your gums and teeth.

Early symptoms of gum disease can be recognised by your dentist and be stopped before the disease can cause any real damage. It’s important to combat periodontitis early, if allowed to develop further it could have a dramatic effect on your smile.

Checking if you have Gum Disease

Gum disease is most common amongst adults but can affect people at any age. If you experience any of the following symptoms its advised you seek professional help:

  • Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
  • Gums have become red and swollen
  • Teeth have become lose
  • Spaces have started to form between your teeth
  • When you bite your teeth fit together differently

As gum disease progresses the symptoms get worse. Patients experience noticeable bad breath. Teeth become more sensitive, the gum line recedes and pus can even seep from the gums.

How is Gum Disease treated?

After visiting a dentist due to experiencing some of the symptoms of gum disease they will do a thorough examination to assess its severity. Early stages of gum disease can be treated easily with proper and regular brushing/flossing. Maintaining a good standard of oral hygiene will prevent the build up of plaque that causes your gums to become infected.

However when plaque builds up, it hardens into tartar which cannot be removed by normal brushing or flossing. Either a dentist or dental hygienist will scale your teeth to remove the tartar above and below your gum line. Depending on the severity of the disease, your dentist will be able to supply you with antibiotics and painkillers. Other treatments such as root planing and surgery are available if required to treat more advanced stages of gum disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to treat gum disease is by preventing it from occurring by maintaining a good standard or oral hygiene. Whilst it may seem like common sense, it’s important the following is carried out to help keep gum disease at bay:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, this helps removes the plaque of the surface of the teeth which can harden into tartar and lead to gum disease.
  • Regular Flossing. This is vital as can get to those hard to reach places a toothbrush simply can’t.
  • An Antibacterial Mouthwash can work in conjunction with brushing and flossing to help remove plaque from your mouth.

What to do for more advice

If you’re suffering from gum disease or experiencing any symptoms it’s worth seeking professional help from a dentist immediately. At the Scott Arms Dental Practice our Dentists in Birmingham have over 22 years of experience treating patients for gum disease related problems. We offer an emergency dental service 365 days a year and treat our patients with the highest standard of dental care.

Posted in: Emergency Dentist, Periodontal Disease

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