Gum Disease and Dental Decay in Leicester

Why gum health matters

Your gums are the foundation of your smile. When healthy, they support your teeth and protect your jawbone. But if bacteria builds up, gum disease can develop, leading to soreness, decay, bleeding, swelling, and looseness. By removing plaque twice a day, this can easily be prevented.

The types of gum disease

The earliest signs of gum disease are usually blood on your toothbrush or in the water when rinsing your mouth after cleaning your teeth. Bleeding from the gums can also occur when eating, although you are unlikely to experience any pain or discomfort. You may also notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth or bad breath as a result of any bleeding. Our team identifies gum disease early and provides treatments to halt its progression, protecting both your gums and teeth.

There are two types of gum disease:

Gingivitis:
The early stage of gum disease, where gums may appear red, swollen, or bleed when brushing. With good hygiene and professional cleaning, it’s completely reversible.

Periodontal Disease:
Periodontal disease is the advanced form of gingivitis where infection spreads deeper, affecting the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth mobility or loss.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Major causes of gum disease

Improper oral hygiene

Improper oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of gum disease. Both types of gum disease are caused by plaque, which is the film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. In order to prevent and treat gum disease, it is essential that all of this plaque is removed from your teeth at least twice a day. This means you not only need to brush your teeth, but also clean in between them using floss or "interdental brushes". Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy gums. We’ll show you how to brush effectively, use interdental brushes or floss, and maintain a routine that prevents plaque build up. Regular hygiene visits help keep your mouth clean and your smile bright.

Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease. People who smoke not only have more plaque and other deposits on their teeth but the smoking also affects the immune response so that the tissues do not heal as well. Treatment involves the dental team removing all of the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth. You will also be advised on how best to clean your teeth to ensure that more plaque does not build up on your teeth. Good oral hygiene and effective cleaning is the most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease. If you smoke you will also be advised to stop and can be supported by referral to smoking cessation services.

Excess sugar in your diet

The sugars in food and drinks react with the bacteria in plaque, forming acids. Every time you eat or drink anything containing sugars, these acids attack the teeth and start to soften and dissolve the enamel. The attacks can last for an hour after eating or drinking, before the natural salts in your saliva cause the enamel to ‘remineralise' and harden again. It's not just sugars that are harmful: other types of carbohydrate foods and drinks react with plaque and form acids. (These are the ‘fermentable' carbohydrates: for example ‘hidden sugars' in processed food, natural sugars like those in fruit and cooked starches).

The signs of tooth decay

As the decay gets near the dental pulp (soft tissue which contains blood vessels and nerves and is in the middle of the tooth) you may suffer from toothache. If the toothache is brought on by hot or sweet foods this may last for only a few seconds. As the decay gets closer to the dental pulp the pain may last longer and you may need to take painkillers to control the pain. You must visit your dental team straight away as the tooth is dying, and you may develop a dental abscess if it is not treated.

Preventing gum disease and tooth decay

The best way to protect your gum health is through prevention.

Brush your teeth thoroughly in the morning and before bed.
Use a fluoride toothpaste.
Brush the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of your teeth.
Use ‘interdental’ brushes, dental floss, or tape to remove plaque from between the teeth.
Schedule routine dental check ups and cleanings.
Eat a balanced, low sugar diet.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
Address dental concerns early, before they become painful.

At Whitehouse Dental, our team will support you every step of the way with clear advice and gentle care, helping you maintain a strong, healthy smile for life.

Accepting new patients

We’re delighted to welcome new NHS and private patients. Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a trusted local dentist, we’re here to help.

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