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PERIODONTICS NORWICH

Gum disease can be dangerous for your oral health. Find out more about periodontics in Norwich and how our Norfolk dental specialists can help you avoid it.

Just seen hygienist after a 5 year gap. She was great. Very reassuring (I dont like going to the dentist). Very pleased with the result and the advise she gave. I won’t leave it another 5 years!

Julie Honney

PERIODONTICS AT RIVERSIDE

at-a-glance:

  • Experienced dentists and hygienists committed to your oral health

    At Riverside Dental, we want you to have the healthiest smile possible, and our knowledgeable team will support you with everything you need to achieve this.

  • Find out more about gum disease

    Gum disease is just as common as cavities and can have extremely serious consequences for your oral health. Our team can help you to keep gum disease at bay.

  • Learn how to control bad breath

    We understand what causes bad breath and, more importantly, what you can do to stop it and keep yours smelling cool and fresh.

  • Improve your brushing and flossing technique

    How much attention do you really pay to how you brush and floss your teeth? Our professional team can educate you on the importance of this routine and give you top tips to help improve your technique and your oral health.

  • Healthy eating

    What you eat has a significant impact on your oral health. Our team can advise you on which common foods cause dental problems and which you should avoid. 

    WHAT IS PERIODONTAL TREATMENT?

    A periodontist in Norwich focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating gum disease to maximise mouth, teeth and gum health.At our state-of-the-art dental practice, we provide the following procedures:

    • Non-surgical ways to treat and prevent gum disease

    • Treating advanced gum disease with extensive gum treatment

    • Gum recession procedures, including gum contouring and reshaping, to target correcting uneven gum lines and covering unsightly exposed roots

    • Restorative treatments, such as dental implants, to replace missing teeth lost to gum disease

    What is gum disease?

    Gum disease is a progressive condition that will affect most people at some point during their lifetime. However, if it is detected early enough, it's possible to reverse it. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and along the gum line.

    The bacteria found in plaque cause irritation to the soft tissues, resulting in symptoms like redness, soreness and bleeding. Gum disease occurs in stages:

    Our hygienists are specially trained in the identification and treatment of gum disease. They provide gum disease treatment in Norwich and the care you need to keep your teeth and mouth in the best possible condition.

    SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE

    Gum disease can be detected at your routine dental exams, and if it is, you'll probably be referred to your dental hygienist for a deep cleaning treatment that removes plaque on the teeth both above and below the gums. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

    If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment to see a dental hygienist today.

    How can a hygienist help?

    Whether you're an existing or new patient, we can help counteract gum disease and protect your teeth from further development of the disease by:

    • Performing regular professional dental cleans, including cleaning below the gum line

    • Planning treatment, which may include dental cleaning or surgical treatment

    • Helping you to understand the importance of a robust oral hygiene routine

    • Supporting you in developing the best techniques for brushing and flossing, which is the best and most basic way of protecting your mouth from gum disease

    • Educating you about food choices and lifestyle habits that are good for your oral health

    DENTAL EDUCATION AT RIVERSIDE

    Preventing bad breath

    Bad breath can cause self-consciousness and impact our confidence when talking to others.Our experienced team are trained to identify the cause of your bad breath and recommend techniques and treatments to help.

    Brushing and flossing

    Brushing and flossing are well-known as effective methods for keeping teeth clean and healthy, but many people fail to brush their teeth as often or as effectively as they should. A poor oral hygiene routine puts you at risk of a whole range of different dental problems, from decay to gum disease.  Our hygienists are specialists at keeping teeth as clean as possible and will provide you with valuable advice and guidance on how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques to maximise your oral health.

    Healthy eating advice

    Some of the most common oral health problems are caused by the foods and drinks we consume. When we eat and drink, sugars interact with the bacteria in our mouths to produce plaque, which is the clear, sticky film that forms on our teeth. The bacteria found in plaque produce acids that can cause tooth decay, and original acids in the food and drink can also erode the enamel of our teeth.Your hygienist can teach you how to identify harmful foods accurately and advise you on specific foods and drinks that are better for your oral health. 

    book a hygienist

    appointment today

    If you have questions about gum disease or any of the other topics listed here, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced Norwich dental team today by calling 01603 920 313.

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    PERIODONTICS

    FAQs

    Am I at risk of getting gum disease?

    Anyone can get gum disease, but certain factors make it more likely. For example:Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean. This makes it more likely that plaque will form and spread onto hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.People have different bacteria in their mouths. If you have an abundance of bad bacteria, you could be more likely to get gum disease.Pregnant women are more likely to get gum disease, which is thought to be due to hormonal changes.If you have a systemic disease like diabetes, you may be more likely to develop gum disease.Smokers are much more likely to suffer from gum disease.

    Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean. This makes it more likely that plaque will form and spread onto hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

    People have different bacteria in their mouths. If you have an abundance of bad bacteria, you could be more likely to get gum disease.

    Pregnant women are more likely to get gum disease, which is thought to be due to hormonal changes.

    If you have a systemic disease like diabetes, you may be more likely to develop gum disease.

    Smokers are much more likely to suffer from gum disease.
    ‍

    Is gum disease dangerous?

    It can be if it isn't treated in its early stages. Left untreated without the correct dental care, it can progress to periodontitis, which isn't reversible and damages the soft tissue and bone holding teeth in place. This can then lead to loose teeth that eventually fall out.

    Studies have also shown a link between periodontal disease and chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

    If you’d like to know more about gum disease, get in touch with our specialist team today by calling 01603 920313.

    How do I floss my teeth?

    Flossing is crucial in preventing plaque buildup and bad breath. Here's everything you need to know about how to floss correctly:

    Use traditional floss, interdental brushes or even a water flosser – they all do the same job; just pick what you find easier to use.

    Make sure you pay attention to all gaps between the teeth and floss right up to the gum line.

    Try to remember to floss once every day, ideally just before bed.
    ‍

    How do I clean my teeth?

    If you want healthy gums and teeth, you need to make sure you're cleaning your teeth thoroughly:

    You should brush your teeth at least twice every day, ideally after breakfast and again before you go to sleep.

    Use a soft-bristled toothbrush - firm varieties can actually damage your tooth enamel and gums.

    Electric toothbrushes tend to be better at cleaning than manual varieties, since they do much of the work for you.

    Use a fluoride toothpaste.

    Pay close attention to brushing near the gum line and cover all surfaces of the teeth.

    Don't forget to brush your tongue.
    ‍

    Do I need to brush my teeth just after I have eaten?

    Plaque can start to form on the teeth immediately after eating and continues to form all day. In an ideal world, we would brush our teeth as soon as we have finished eating, but this isn't always possible.

    If you can't, we strongly recommend chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow, helping to remove food particles that could contribute to plaque.
     

    What causes bad breath?

    Most people have had bad breath, and chances are you will again, but what happens when bad breath is more than just ‘morning breath’? 

    In most cases, bad breath is the result of an accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria release gases which cause the odour that we associate with bad breath.

    It happens because any bacteria left in the mouth when we go to sleep have time to thrive. It's for this reason that our breath will always smell worse in the morning if we have failed to clean our teeth properly the night before. The smell also usually gets stronger when we talk since the mouth becomes drier. 

    Occasionally, bad breath can be caused by an underlying health problem, like diabetes, a sinus infection, gastrointestinal issues or liver or kidney problems.

    How do I prevent bad breath?

    There are things you can do at home that help to reduce the likelihood that you will experience bad breath. Your Riverside Dental dentist will be keen to encourage you to:

    Make sure you brush and floss your teeth properlyDon't forget to brush your tongue.

    See your dentist regularly for professional dental cleans and monitoring of your oral healthMake sure you brush and floss your teeth properlyDon't forget to brush your tongue.

    Change your toothbrush regularly

    Stop smoking

    Drink lots of water

    Eat a healthy, balanced diet
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    What if I'm anxious before gum disease treatment in Norwich?

    Most patients feel nervous before visiting the dentist, but at Riverside Dental, our specialists are experts in reducing anxiety associated with potentially stressful procedures and making the experience more comfortable.

    From professional cleaning to prolonged surgical procedures, we can help more anxious patients to put their minds at ease by offering a local anaesthetic and running through what will happen at your appointment in advance.

    We'll calmly explain that modern gum treatments are usually gentler, discomfort is mild, and recovery is typically straightforward.

    For more information, don't hesitate to contact us today.

    why patients love

    Riverside dental

    why patients love

    Riverside dental

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