29
Sep, 2025

Oral Microbiology Specialists

What is Oral Microbiology?

Oral Microbiology is concerned with the laboratory-based diagnosis of infections of the face and mouth. These are usually bacterial or fungal infections.

What is a specialist in Oral Microbiology and what do they do?

A specialist in Oral microbiology usually works in academic units, and may provide training as well as a role in diagnosis of oral infections.

What additional training and qualifications does a specialist in Oral Microbiology need?

Specialist training consists of a minimum of five years and is provided by the Royal College of Pathologists. A CCST will be awarded following successful completion of the Membership examination of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath) in either Oral Microbiology or Medical Microbiology.

8
Sep, 2025

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Specialists

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology?

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is concerned with the diagnosis of diseases of the mouth, jaws and salivary glands through the microscopic analysis of diseased tissues.

What is a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and what do they do?

Most specialists work in academic units. They are involved in the definitive diagnosis of disorders, usually following oral medicine or oral surgery consultations.

What additional training and qualifications does a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology need?

Training is provided by the Royal College of Pathologists. Trainees must undergo a minimum of five years training before sitting the Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath) examination. If successful, candidates will be awarded the CCST in Oral Pathology.

29
Aug, 2025

Dental sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry involves performing dental treatment on a patient in an environment that’s stress- and anxiety-free. It’s a way for dentists to help patients overcome common dental phobias. Many people neglect going to the dentist or getting their teeth taken care of because of this phobia. Often, dental problems are left unattended till the very last moment when extreme measures are needed. Through sedation dentistry, patients are able to undergo dental treatments without any of the fear and anxiety that accompanies the treatment. Moreover, sedation dentistry reduces the number of visits required for dental treatment to just a couple of sessions. Sedation dentistry can be used to correct almost any kind of dental condition.

What is sedation?

Sedation is a procedure that makes use of sedative medications to produce a relaxed experience for the patient, enabling the dentist to perform dental procedures. The central nervous system (CNS) is affected through the use of drugs, including tranquilizers and anxiolytics, that can be administered to the patient in several ways.

Sedation dentistry is sometimes erroneously referred to as sleep dentistry. This term, however, is not the fullest meaning of sedation, because the medications you receive don’t exactly put you to sleep, although you are likely to feel sleepy while under sedation. Sedation dentistry is different from general anaesthesia, which leads to a deeper state of sleep. See Dental Sedation in Surrey from £350 Per Hour.

Who is eligible for sedation dentistry?

Any person who is in need of dental treatment, either for health or cosmetic purposes, but has anxiety and fear about undergoing treatment, or has an extreme fear of needles, is likely to benefit from sedation dentistry. More.

If you have had a history of frightening dental experiences, you may be wary of being in a dentist’s chair again, and sedation dentistry can help you overcome this fear.

People who have painful or extremely sensitive teeth will find it hard to cooperate with the dentist while the treatment is going on. Such people can be made to relax using sedation dentistry, facilitating dental treatment.

Other persons who have severe gag reflexes and find it hard to tolerate treatments in the mouth, or persons who suffer from medical conditions like Parkinson’s Disease or Cerebral Palsy and find it difficult to control their body movements can also benefit from the physical relaxation that sedation dentistry offers.

Also, people who are in need of complex and lengthy dental treatments that require a series of dental appointments, or those who want to complete their dental treatment quickly due to a lack of time, can also benefit from the reduced dental treatment time that sedation dentistry offers.

Types of sedation

There are a few different types of sedation dentistry that facilitate performing dental procedures. You can read about the different types of sedation dentistry by clicking on the links below:

Other types of sedation:

Intramuscular sedation
Here, a sedative drug is injected into the upper thigh or upper arm muscles to induce sedation. It’s not very commonly used in dentistry.

Local anesthesia
For minor dental procedures, dentists may use a topically applied anaesthetic gel to numb the area before administering a local anaesthetic injection. Under local anesthesia, you continue to be fully aware of your surroundings. The anaesthetic dulls the pain, however, so you don’t feel any of the effects of the treatment.

General anaesthesia VS sedation dentistry
General anaesthesia is used to facilitate oral surgery. It can also be used in people who for any reason are not eligible for sedation dentistry. General anaesthesia can lead to a state of unconsciousness, and the side effects may remain for several hours after the surgery or procedure is completed. More.

Benefits of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry has several benefits, both for dentists and patients. For patients, it can mean freedom from anxiety or fear during dental procedures. In cases where a patient has not been able to undergo dental treatment for many years because of this fear, sedation dentistry allows him to have several years’ worth of dental treatment in just a few sessions.

For dentists, sedation dentistry facilitates the easy performance of dental procedures. Patients are likely to be more cooperative under the relaxing effects of sedation. Treatments can also be quicker, because a number of procedures can be performed in a single session.

  • Patients with a history of abuse are less likely to cooperate during dental treatment and may need some form of sedation.
  • Even if you have no dental phobias, you can still benefit from sedation when you have to undergo a procedure that can be extremely painful, including gum surgery.
  • Some people can also have unusually located nerves, making it difficult for a dentist to administer a local anaesthetic.
  • Under certain forms of sedation – like IV sedation, which causes memory loss – you are less likely to remember anything about the procedure.

Non-eligibility for sedation dentistry

  • If you are currently taking other medications, let your dentist know before you begin taking oral sedatives.
  • If you have a history of allergic reactions to other medications, you will need to inform your dentist beforehand.
  • People who have an extreme fear of dentists themselves, rather than the dental treatment, are not likely to be good candidates for sedation. Other persons may have control issues that make them resist sedation. For instance, if you feel that taking sedatives will impair your judgment or that you will not be able to voice your concerns to the dentist, you are likely to resist sedation.
  • Some people are also very scared of sedation itself, making them poor candidates.

Selecting a sedation dentist

  • It’s recommended that you enquire at more than one dentist and compare their experience with sedation dentistry.
  • Ask the dentist about the procedure and how many times s/he has used sedation to perform a dental procedure.
  • Basic dental training provides limited exposure to sedation dentistry, and a dentist needs to obtain specialised training through continuing education or postgraduate programs.
  • Ask your dentist what kind of sedation s/he is most experienced in. Discuss your sedation procedure in detail, and ask about the kind of monitoring that will be done during the procedure.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want, and make sure you have all pre- and post-procedure instructions in writing.
23
Aug, 2025

Orthodontic Specialists

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is concerned with the normal and abnormal growth and development of the face, jaws and teeth.

What is a specialist in Orthodontics?

The role of orthodontic specialists is to prevent and/or correct any abnormalities or irregularities in the position of teeth and jaws, and the way in which the teeth meet together, which is known as the bite or occlusion.

Specialists in Orthodontics may provide treatment in the primary care setting either in the NHS through the general dental services (GDS) or in private specialist practices. They may also work in the community dental services (CDS) as senior dental officers (SDOs), where they will provide a wide range of orthodontic services to a population in a particular area, or they may work in the hospital setting as an NHS consultant. Specialists can also be based in academic posts in dental schools and hospitals to provide both undergraduate and postgraduate education.

What treatment can a specialist in Orthodontics carry out?

A specialist in Orthodontics can diagnose abnormalities in the growth or development of the teeth and jaws and assess the needs for orthodontic treatment. They may plan to prevent or correct these abnormalities through extractions of teeth and with appliances that are commonly known as braces.

These appliances may be fixed to the teeth or may be removable by the patient and dentist. Some of these appliances that are used to correct an abnormal relationship of the jaws work using the developing muscles of the face and mouth, and are used in children around the growth spurt; these are called functional appliances.

As well as to improve function, some orthodontic treatment is carried out purely for aesthetic reasons – to improve the patient’s smile by repositioning and straightening the teeth in line with the arch of the mouth. However, a lot of the time, orthodontic treatment is carried for a combination of reasons.

What additional training and qualifications does a specialist in Orthodontics need?

A registered dentist must obtain an additional postgraduate qualification, the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth), in order to apply for inclusion onto the specialist orthodontist list.

Although not an essential requirement, many dentists will also have the Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS or MFD) of one of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons or the Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties (MJDF). This diploma normally takes two to three years to achieve, but is highly recommended by some postgraduate training programs prior to application.

The Membership of Orthodontics (MOrth) diploma involves three years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) postgraduate training. During this time, the trainees will gain clinical experience in a dental hospital as well as academic study in a university. The trainees will also be required to study for the Masters degree (MSc) in orthodontics.

Upon completion of training, the trainees will sit an examination for MOrth, and if successful will gain a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). This certificate allows the dentist to apply for registration to be included on the GDC’s specialist list and be known as a Specialist in Orthodontics.

To be appointed an NHS Consultant in the hospital setting, a specialist in Orthodontics must have successfully completed a further two years of an SAC approved training programme working as a specialist registrar (SpR) in Orthodontics to obtain the Intercollegiate Fellowship in Orthodontics, FDS(Orth), from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons.

12
Aug, 2025

Dental treatment and pregnancy oral health and dental treatment dentistry

How can Pregnancy affect your oral health?

Pregnancy will affect almost every facet of a woman’s life. This includes her oral health. It is important to take care of your oral health during pregnancy. You should not treat your oral health as just another thing to worry about.

A lot of women notice changes in their gums when they are pregnant. Some of them notice that their gums are redder. Others will notice that their gums bleed when they brush. There are also women who experience severe swelling and bleeding during their pregnancy.

These changes are referred to as pregnancy gingivitis and their symptoms are similar to gingivitis in any other person. The causes of the gingivitis in pregnant women could differ though. One of the causes of gingivitis in pregnant women can be attributed to the increase in hormone levels. Levels of progesterone in your body are ten times higher than the normal levels. These increased levels of progesterone could enhance the growth of bacteria in your body. Your immune system can also work differently when you are pregnant. Your body may react to bacteria differently and this may cause your gingivitis.

You should practice good oral hygiene in order to minimize the occurrence of gingivitis when you are pregnant. You should brush twice a day and floss once a day. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can also help you control your gum infection. Dentists suggest that you avoid using rinses that have alcohol because there is still no proof whether these alcohol-based rinses can cause negative effects on your pregnancy.

You should allow your dentist to check the health of your gums when you are pregnant so that any gingivitis could be treated right away. Treating gingivitis can be done at any point of your pregnancy although it would be best to do it during your second trimester. Aggressive treatments like periodontal surgery can be postponed after the baby has been delivered.

How will pregnancy granuloma affect your dental treatment?

Pregnancy granuloma is a growth on your gums that usually occurs in about two to ten percent of pregnant women. Pregnancy granuloma is also known as a pregnancy tumour or a pyogenic granuloma. These aren’t real tumours and they aren’t cancerous either. They aren’t dangerous although they can cause a lot of distress.

Pregnancy granulomas usually develop in the second trimester of pregnancy. You will see red nodules in your upper gum line and in other areas of your mouth. These growths bleed easily and they can also form ulcers and crust over. These pregnancy granulomas are normally attached to the gums or the mucous membrane through a narrow stalk of tissue.

The exact causes of pregnancy granulomas are unknown although if you do not practice good oral hygiene then it could be triggered. Other co-factors that may contribute to pregnancy granulomas are trauma, viruses, hormones, and blood vessel malformations. Women with these growths typically have widespread gingivitis already.

The pregnancy granulomas are supposed to disappear after you give birth to your baby. If growth interferes with speaking, chewing, or eating, then you may need to have the pregnancy granulomas removed before delivering your baby. These pregnancy granulomas could grow back one out of two times.

Women who have severe morning sickness and who vomit a lot are at risk of eroding their teeth enamel on their front and their back teeth. If you vomit a lot then you should get in touch with your dentist and find out ways on how to prevent your tooth enamel from eroding.

Pregnant women usually complain about dry mouth or xerostomia. You can address your dry mouth by drinking a lot of water. You can also address this problem by sucking on sugarless candies that stimulate saliva secretion. This will keep your mouth moist.

On the other hand, some pregnant women think that they produce too much saliva. This is a condition that happens during the early stages of pregnancy. It goes away after the end of the first trimester. Overproduction of saliva may be associated with nausea.

Is it true that women lose a tooth for every child?

This is not true and is considered a myth. Previous theories said that if the developing foetus is not getting enough calcium, it will absorb the calcium from the mother’s teeth. This theory is not correct. As long as your brush twice everyday and floss everyday, you will reduce your chances of cavities during your pregnancy.

What are some of the ways of taking care of your teeth when you are pregnant?

You should follow a balanced diet when you are pregnant. This diet has to be filled with a lot of protein, calcium, vitamins C, A, and D. You should make sure that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day. An antibacterial mouthwash will help you obliterate bacteria that add to gingivitis. Dentists will suggest that you use a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol because the alcohol may have a negative effect on your pregnancy.

Will it be safe to visit your dentist during your pregnancy?

The second trimester is the most ideal time to get routine dental treatment. If you are going through any serious procedures that may involve reconstruction or surgery then you should avoid it until you deliver your baby. You should try to abstain from dental visits during the first trimester of your pregnancy and the second half of the third trimester. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the organ systems in the foetus are still developing which makes it very sensitive to environmental influences. During the last half of the third trimester, there will be risks for premature delivery since the uterus is sensitive to outside forces. At the end of your pregnancy, you may also find it hard to sit on the dental chair. Pregnant women should avoid lying on their backs for extended periods of time because this will put pressure on large blood vessels. This can cause changes in blood circulation.

Should you get emergency dental treatment even if you’re pregnant?

If dental treatment is absolutely necessary to alleviate pain, prevent infection, decrease your stress levels, or decrease the stress levels of your foetus then go ahead. Your dentist must consult with your obstetrician or midwife before performing any dental procedures in order to make sure everything is done as safely as possible.

Should you get X-rays even when you’re pregnant?

X-rays are much safer now because of the advances in science and technology. A lead apron can protect you and your foetus from radiation however; dentists will not recommend dental x-rays during your pregnancy. Even if you think that you are pregnant, x-rays aren’t recommended as well. X-rays should only be taken if it is urgently needed in a diagnosis and if the dental treatment can not wait after the baby is delivered.

Will you be able to take dental medications even when you’re pregnant?

You should not take medications during your pregnancy especially during your first trimester although if the benefits of the medications outweigh the risks then you may have to take them anyway. Most of the dental medications can be taken during your pregnancy although you should stay away from some sedatives and antibiotics.

The United States Food and Drug Administration classify several prescription drugs based on their levels of risk to the foetus. There are five categories which are X, D, C, B, and A. These are arranged from the most harmful to the safest. If medication falls under category X then it is considered harmful to the foetus. You should always talk to your dentist about any medications that you are taking and their corresponding dosages.

Will you be able to take dental medications while you are nursing?

The amount of drug excreted into breast milk will be around one to two percent of the dose you took. It is very unlikely that this can affect your baby although you should still avoid taking medications until you have finished nursing your baby. Consider waiting for four hours or more before nursing your baby so that the drug that enters your breast milk will be minimized. Most drugs reach the maximum concentration of milk after about one to two hours after you take them so wait for this period to finish before nursing your baby. You may want to discuss medications with your dentist and doctors to avoid any mishaps.

18
Jul, 2025

Sensitive teeth sensitivity tooth

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental problems, with the majority of the population having suffered from sensitive teeth at some time or another. It’s a condition in which there is discomfort in the tooth or teeth caused by the consumption of hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. The sensitivity can range from twinges in the tooth or teeth, to sharp shooting pain that can last for hours.

This condition occurs when the receding tissue of the gums exposes the dentin (the underlying layer of the teeth). The dentinal channels allow hot, cold or sweet stimuli to touch the nerves in your tooth. This causes discomfort and pain.

Causes of sensitive teeth

There are several causes that can lead to sensitivity in the teeth:

Incorrect brushing – Excessive brushing, brushing too vigorously or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can, over time, wear away the enamel layer of the tooth and expose the dentin. Over-brushing can also cause the gum tissue to recede.

Gum disease – Conditions like gingivitis cause the gum tissue to become inflamed and sore. This can also tear away the supporting ligaments, exposing the root surface, and allowing stimuli to reach the nerve of the tooth.

Cracked teeth – Teeth that are chipped can soon become filled with plaque. The bacteria can enter and inflame the pulp.

Bruxism – People who clench or grind their teeth can find their tooth enamel wearing down quickly, exposing the dentin.

Teeth-whitening products – Products that are used to whiten the teeth have been found to be linked to tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity is very common during both in-surgery teeth-whitening treatments and home teeth whitening. Different people experience this sensitivity to varying extents.

Age – Persons between the age of 25 and 30 have been found to be the most vulnerable to tooth sensitivity.

Mouthwash – A few over-the-counter mouthwash rinses contain ingredients that have been found linked to sensitive teeth.

Diet – Foods with a high acid content – like tomatoes, lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits – and tea can erode the enamel layer of the teeth, causing sensitivity.

Dental procedures – Sometimes, tooth sensitivity may be seen following dental procedures like tooth restoration, root planing and crown placement. This kind of sensitivity is not long lasting and disappears after a few weeks. Teeth whitening frequently causes temporary tooth sensitivity.

Risk factors – Although tooth sensitivity can be seen in people of all ages, it is more often found in people who are between 20 and 40 years of age. Women have been found to be more susceptible to sensitivity.

Diagnosis of tooth sensitivity

Your dentist will enquire about your dental hygiene practices and will look for any signs of tooth decay and gum disease. He will also check for any exposed roots, and may use a metal instrument called an explorer to test for sensitivity. He will also look to see if your sensitivity can be treated by root canal treatment.

Treatment of sensitive teeth

Depending on the cause of the sensitivity, your dentist will recommend products or perform treatments.

  • He may use a desensitizing product to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth.
  • He may also use a fluoride rinse or gel on the affected teeth. These products have to be applied on the teeth regularly with a gap of one or two weeks between each application. This helps reduce the sensitivity, and build up protection around the teeth.
  • Your dentist may use a filling around the area where the gum and tooth meet to cover any exposed dentine.
  • If none of these methods works, or if the tooth’s nerve has been severely damaged, the sensitivity may be treated with a root canal treatment.
  • If the sensitivity is caused by a new amalgam filling, the symptoms normally go away after a few weeks. If they don’t, your dentist will polish the filling to relieve the symptoms.
  • If the sensitivity is caused by bruxism, your dentist will look at ways to treat the teeth grinding.

Prevention of tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be easily prevented.

  • Brush and floss the teeth daily, and make sure to clean your teeth and mouth thoroughly. Don’t brush aggressively. Check the bristles on your toothbrush. If they are pointing in different directions, you’re brushing with too much pressure. Brush carefully, especially around the gum line.
  • Use only a soft bristled toothbrush. Replace it every three months.
  • Cut down on highly acid foods like citrus fruits. If you do drink citric fruit juices, use a straw to limit the exposure of the juice to the teeth.
  • If you have the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, use an appliance like a mouth guard to control these actions.
  • Cut down on sugary foods and fizzy sodas.
  • If you are considering bleaching your teeth or any other teeth whitening treatments, discuss the possibility of developing sensitivity with your dentist.
  • Don’t put undue pressure on your teeth. Don’t bite objects like ice cubes that can cause cracks to form inside the tooth.
  • Ask your dentist to recommend a fluoride mouth rinse to use at home.

In conclusion, tooth sensitivity can be prevented by following good dental hygiene practices. The symptoms can be alleviated by addressing the cause of the sensitivity.

16
Jul, 2025

Osteitis

Osteitis, also known as ‘dry socket’ is amongst the most common problems which occurs due to a tooth extraction. It happens in about 5% of all tooth extractions and can be quite uncomfortable. Luckily, it’s easily remedied.

Symptoms of Osteitis

A dry socket is any socket in which you feel pain and discomfort. This usually occurs due to the loss of the blood clot, leaving the bone exposed to air, fluids and food. Dry sockets often produce a bad smell which is typically noticed a couple of days after extraction and can last up to a week. Although most patients will experience some discomfort and pain after an extraction, this should dissipate quickly. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is somehow dislodged from it’s place leaving the nerve endings and bones vulnerable. Blood clots have a number of functions such as limiting the bleeding in the affected site and promoting the growth of new bone and tissue in the area. Dry sockets often occur when wisdom teeth or teeth at the back of the mouth are involved due to poor circulation in this area.

Causes of Dry Socket

There’s several factors which are likely to increase the chances of you developing a dry socket. One of the most common factors leading to a dry socket is smoking before the time which your dentist has recommended following extraction. Smoking affects the blood supply to the clot and carries a number of toxic products which can affect the healing process. The sucking motion when smoking can cause a difference in pressure which can also dislodge the blood clot. Research has also shown women taking oral contraceptives are at an increased risk of developing a dry socket. It’s important to follow all aftercare instructions given to you by your dentist to ensure quick and effective healing.

Preventing Osteitis

There’s several ways that you can help to prevent the development of a dry socket. Firstly it’s vital to avoid smoking before the time your dentist recommends as this can cause a number of problems. Research has shown oral contraceptives and the menstrual cycle can put women at an increased risk so it’s commonly advised for women patients to schedule their extraction during the last two weeks of their menstrual cycle. Rinsing your mouth out frequently and drinking through a straw can both cause problems with the blood clot and it’s often recommended to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth following extraction.

15
Jul, 2025

Parkinson’s disease oral health and dental treatment dentistry

How can Parkinson’s disease affect your dental treatment?

Parkinson’s disease affects adults in their middle and late lifespan. It is caused by the progressive degeneration of the nerve cells in their brains. The result is a decrease in dopamine levels. This chemical is used to transmit messages between cells. People afflicted with Parkinson’s disease have movements that they can’t control and muscle stiffness.

Several people with Parkinson’s disease are already old and then are less likely to look for dental treatments unless they are emergencies. The older adults can also experience other troubles in getting dental care like transportation and other chronic illnesses.

If you have dentures then it could become more and more difficult to wear them as your disease gets worse. Partial dentures can be dislodged or swallowed while the larger dentures could fall out more often. They can even break after sudden movements or they could no longer fit properly at some point in time.

There are medications taken by people with Parkinson’s disease that cause xerostomia or what people may know as dry mouth. It can increase your risk of tooth decay, fungal infections, and yeast infections. Since there is less saliva in your mouth to wash away the food particles and bacteria, you are more likely to get tooth decay. People with Parkinson’s disease are usually prescribed with topical fluoride treatments or artificial saliva solutions that will help them prevent tooth decay.

Parkinson’s disease can be made worse if you are anxious. It is important that you remain calm when you are going through dental treatment. Your dentist will make your environment as low-stress and as serene as possible. It helps if you keep your appointments short instead of having long ones because long dental treatments may cause stress on your part.

Tremors that are caused by Parkinson’s disease can make your dental appointments a challenge. If your Parkinson’s disease is already very severe then you may have to go through dental treatment in a hospital. You may also opt for sedation at the dental office if permissible.

You may have a hard time opening your mouth for long periods of time so your dentist may use some special devices. Your dentist may use a rubber bite block that will be placed in between your teeth. This will keep your mouth open. You may also have a hard time keeping your tongue still. In order to manage this, your dentist will use a tongue retractor. This will keep your tongue in one place. In addition to these devices, your dentist may also use a thin piece of rubber called a rubber dam. This rubber dam will be stretched over your teeth. It will be used to prevent any foreign substances from entering your mouth during the dental procedure.

19
Jun, 2025

Receding Gums

The term ‘receding gums’ refers to gum tissue that has receded to the extent that the lower part of the tooth is exposed. Usually, the teeth are protected by the gum tissue, but once the gums start to recede the lower parts of the tooth become exposed and, as the gums continue to shrink, more and more of the tooth becomes exposed to damage. If the condition is not treated, it will become more advanced and the teeth may eventually come loose.

There are many different causes of gum recession. Though many people associate the condition with a natural stage of the ageing process, this is not always the case. Furthermore, although receding gums are more common amongst older people, the condition can affect people of all ages.

What are the symptoms of receding gums?

Changes to the gum tissue can occur gradually and, for this reason, it can take a long time for people to notice that their gums are shrinking. This is why it is so important to attend regular dental check-ups. Gum recession may be caused by changes to the gum tissue or a reduction in the bone tissue beneath the gums, symptoms which can easily be identified by a dentist at a routine check-up. Symptoms to look out for include:

  • Sensitivity: if the lower portion of the tooth becomes exposed, you may find that you experience heightened sensitivity, especially when you eat or drink very hot or cold food and drinks. Sensitivity can cause pain ranging from very mild to severe
  • Longer teeth: as the gums recede, a larger part of the teeth becomes visible and this may make the teeth appear longer
  • Changes in the colour of the gums: as the gums recede, they may appear to change colour. Most often they will become red and sore
  • Gapping between the teeth: as the gums recede, gaps between the teeth may appear to grow. This is because the gum tissue is unable to fill them

If you notice any symptoms of gum recession, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Receding gums are very easy to treat if the condition is diagnosed early, but if receding gums are not assessed early enough, the condition will become more advanced and may lead to irreparable damage.

Progression of symptoms

As receding gums progress, this can lead to different symptoms:

  • Early stage: swollen gums, bleeding, redness and tenderness
  • Advanced stage: the gums start to come away from the teeth, the teeth start to loosen and pus may develop between the teeth
  • Final stage: the roots of the teeth become exposed, the teeth become loose and fall out and the gums become very sore and inflamed

Are receding gums normal?

Receding gums are a relatively common condition, but this does not mean that they should be seen as one of those things that happen to us all. This is a condition that can be prevented by good oral hygiene and a good brushing technique. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, make sure you arrange to see your dentist. Attending regular dental check-ups will also help to reduce the risk of developing oral health problems in the first place.

What causes receding gums?

There are numerous causes of receding gums, but the most common are overzealous brushing and poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene will result in build-up of bacteria and plaque, which can contribute to inflammation and infection. The foods you eat can affect the amount of bacteria in your mouth, so try to eat healthily and avoid foods that are acidic or high in sugar. These kinds of foods will increase the amount of bacteria in the mouth, causing the production of harmful plaque acids that attack the protective enamel surfaces on the teeth.

If you brush your teeth too vigorously then this can damage the gums. For those who own an electric toothbrush, do not attempt to use this in the same way you would a regular toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are designed to do the work for you, which is why attempting to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush in the normal manner can harm the gum tissue.

Other possible causes of receding gums include:

  • Smoking: smoking increases the risk of gum disease and slows the healing process
  • Pressure from bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth)
  • Piercings: tongue piercings can damage the gum tissue
  • Eating disorders, especially bulimia: vomit, a very acidic substance, can erode the gum tissue, the bone and the enamel surfaces of the teeth

What kinds of treatment are available for receding gums?

If receding gums are identified early enough, then they can often be treated fairly easily. By simply identifying the cause and addressing it, your gums can be returned to normal swiftly. For example, if it is overzealous brushing that is causing the problem, your dentist will advise you to brush more gently or switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles. If there is found to be a lot of bacteria in your mouth, your dentist may talk to you about oral hygiene and suggest the use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash. If sensitive gums are the problem, your dentist may advise you to use specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

If your condition is more advanced, your dentist may graft gum tissue from different parts of your mouth to boost the tissue in affected areas. This may be taken from the roof of the mouth.

Is it possible to prevent receding gums?

In order to minimise your risk of suffering from receding gums, you can take the following steps:

  • Adopt a good oral hygiene routine: this should involve brushing the teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, using dental floss and rinsing with mouthwash
  • See your dentist every 6-12 months for a routine check-up
  • Look out for signs and symptoms and arrange to see your dentist as soon as you notice any irregular indicators
  • Quit smoking
  • See your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth. They will be able to offer guidance and suggest suitable treatment
  • Keep an eye on your diet: try to limit the amount of sugar you eat and avoid acidic foods, especially between meals. If you do eat sugary or acidic foods, make sure you wait at least 45 minutes before brushing your teeth. This is due to the fact that plaque acid temporarily weakens the enamel surfaces of the teeth, and brushing during this time could consequently damage the enamel
4
Jun, 2025

Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology Specialists

What is Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology?

Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology is concerned with imaging of the head and neck, particularly the jaws and the teeth.

What is a specialist in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology and what do they do?

A specialist in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology is normally a consultant working in dental schools and hospitals. They are competent in advanced organ imaging in the head and neck area, and have a role in the diagnosis of disorders in these areas.

What additional training and qualifications does a specialist in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology need?

A minimum of two years of general professional training (GPT) must be completed prior to specialist training. Specialist training involves three years of full-time postgraduate training to prepare for the Diploma in Dental Radiology of the Royal College of Radiologists. Two years further training in radiology is required following completion of the Diploma in Dental Radiology before candidates can apply for the award of a CCST and entry on to the specialist register.