Dentist Greenford

Private or NHS Greenford Dentist

Dental health is important and is something we neglect far too often. If you are looking for a Greenford dentist, come to Victoria Road Dental Clinic. We are experts in dental care and facial aesthetics, offering a friendly and professional service to all our patients. We even cater specially for nervous patients, because we care about our patients’ teeth and want everyone to have excellent oral health. For more information, or to book an appointment, telephone us on 01895 636 121 or book an appointment online.

In this article, we answer some of the top questions asked by dental patients about gum health. Scroll below for more information, or if you’d like to speak to one of our expert dental team, contact us now and book an appointment.

Why do my gums hurt when I brush?

There are a number of reasons your gums might feel painful, particularly when you brush. Gum disease, canker sores, infection, oral cancer or even hormonal changes could be to blame. You may have sores on your gums, swelling or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you are brushing too vigorously, and in the wrong way, you could be damaging your gum tissue which can also cause pain.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is where bacteria builds up in the mouth as a result of poor dental hygiene and forms plaque around teeth, which can cause gums to become inflamed. There are two main types of gum disease. Gingivitis is very common among UK adults and if left untreated it can lead to serious problems, including tooth loss. Periodontitis is less common and can result from gingivitis that has been left untreated. Periodontitis weakens and destroys the gums and bone that hold the teeth. Both can lead to infection, causing gums to become swollen and painful. By taking proper care of your teeth and regularly visiting your dentist, gum disease is easily preventable.

What are canker sores?

Canker sores or mouth ulcers are small, non-contagious lesions. They can emerge anywhere in the mouth, including your gums, appearing as red patches, sometimes with a whitish coating. If you have canker sores that don’t go away after a week or two, make an appointment to see your dentist or GP. There is no specific treatment for canker sores and most tend to disappear eventually of their own accord.

How can hormones affect my gums?

For women, hormonal changes can affect your gums, sometimes causing pain. During puberty or your period, you may find that your gums feel tender, sore or swollen. Pregnancy hormones can also affect your teeth and gums, with women facing a higher risk of gum disease during pregnancy. Menopause is another hormonal change that can cause painful or bleeding gums. If you are concerned, speak to your dentist or GP.

Find out more about how hormones can affect your dental health here. Or to speak to one of our dental team, contact us today.

How do I know if I am brushing my teeth properly?

If you are brushing your teeth properly and on a regular basis (at least twice a day), you and your dentist should notice an improvement in your oral health and a reduction of plaque around your teeth. You should be using a toothbrush with soft, blunt bristles and brushing in gentle circular motions. If you are brushing too vigorously or simply back and forth, this can damage or irritate your gums and lead to soreness and bleeding. For advice on how to brush correctly, watch this helpful video from Colgate.

You should also be flossing on a daily basis. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. As with brushing, don’t floss too vigorously, forcing it between your teeth. Use a gentle sliding motion to ensure you aren’t damaging the soft tissue of your gums.

What is a tooth infection?

A tooth infection or abscessed tooth is where pus forms inside the teeth, gums or bone, caused by bacterial infection. If you have an infection or abscess at the root of your tooth, this may also cause swelling in your gums around the site of the infection. Infections can usually be treated by root canal and only occasionally will require the removal of the tooth.

To find out more about dental abscesses, visit the NHS UK website, or speak to one of our dentists.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer affects around 6,800 people a year in the UK. One of the main signs you might have oral cancer is sores in your mouth, including on your tongue and inner cheeks, that do not heal. Be aware that the sores might not feel particularly painful at first. If after two weeks the sores have not healed, make an appointment with your dentist. Regular visits to your dentist can help pick up on early signs of oral cancer.

If you are concerned about painful or bleeding gums, book an appointment with one of our dentists, who can advise you and make sure you are getting any additional treatment you may need. To book, click on the ‘book a consultation’ button at the top of the page or call us on 01895 636 121.

Dentist Greenford

Victoria Road Dental Clinic provides a fully comprehensive dental care service to each of our patients. Our friendly and experienced team are experts in maintaining and improving oral health and are always happy to advise patients on how best to care for their teeth. If you are looking a reliable dentist in Greenford, look no further than Victoria Road. To find out more about our services you can call, visit us online or in practice.