Dental problems and gum disease

With over a fifth of adults not having visited a dentist for five years, and six per cent brushing their teeth less than once a day, it seems we've a lot of brushing up to do when it comes to dental health. The first step is to get to grips with some of the most common problems.

Without doubt, the greatest cause for dental concern is gum disease - and according to the British Dental Association, 95 per cent of us suffer from it. Caused by plaque, an almost invisible sticky film of bacteria that attaches itself to teeth, particularly where they meet the gums, the longer it's there, the more chance it will calcify, which forms tartar, hard deposits on the teeth. This irritates the gums, causes inflammation, which ends up as gum disease.

There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis, where the gums become inflamed and bleed, and periodontitis, which is the more advanced form of gum disease.

What you can do about it
If you have gingivitis, your gums are likely to bleed, particularly when you brush your teeth. Keep brushing the problem areas gently: that way the bleeding should soon stop. If it doesn't, see your dentist or hygienist who will be able to scale off the plaque.

With periodonititis, the actual inflammation can spread underneath the gums, attacking the fibres and bone. A gap can then form between the gum and tooth, which is known as the periodontal pocket. Treatment usually consists of your dentist scaling and cleaning out these 'pockets'. Occasionally dental surgery may be needed to remove the debris, although this can often be avoided simply by cleaning teeth properly and regularly. Treatment is important because if left, teeth start to loosen and may even fall out. Problems with the gums often happen during pregnancy, and other times of hormonal imbalance, such as puberty. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, as are smokers.