Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Some common indicators of gum disease are listed below. If you have any of these symptoms give the practice a call on 01527 906583 and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We will be able to tell you if you do indeed have gum disease and to what stage it has progressed, we will also be able to start you on a treatment plan that will help get your gums healthy again..

Common gum disease symptoms:

Bad breath that won’t go away.
Bleeding when you brush or floss.
Swollen gums.
Loose teeth.
Pockets between your gums and teeth.
Changes in the way your teeth fit together.

Types of Gum Disease

A poor oral health routine can cause gum disease. There are two different stages: Gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It is an inflammation of the gums, and it is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on teeth.

Untreated gingivitis could turn into periodontitis. This disease infects the gum tissue more seriously, causes gum pockets and infection of the bone tissue. In more advanced stages of periodontitis, your teeth can become loose and even fall out.

What You Can Do

Be sure to brush and floss every day to remove harmful bacteria. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and to check for cavities and gum disease. If the gum disease has progressed to periodontal disease, then a consultation appointment with a gum specialist also known as a periodontist, may be recommended by your dentist. By working with your dentist and taking care of your teeth at home, you’ll improve your chances of fighting gum disease.

Dr. Ravi Solanki BDS Sheffield (2002) MFDS RCS (Eng) PGCME GDC No: 80945

Ravi qualified in 2002 from the University of Sheffield with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Having completed his degree, he joined New Road Dental for one year, then served as a House officer and Senior House Officer in Cardiff Dental Hospital, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Dental Hospital. His experience included working in several specialties including Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative, Paediatric, Periodontology, and conscious sedation.

Ravi is registered with the General Dental Council and is a member of the British Dental Association. He completed the prestigious Membership of the Fellowship of Dental Surgeons of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2005, then returned to general practice. He is a Clinical Director of New Road Dental and works full time. His particular interests include oral surgery, dental implants, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and treating anxious patients.

Ravi is an approved Foundation Dentist Trainer with the West Midlands Deanery. This is a prestigious position where he is responsible for the training of newly qualified dentists. In 2013 he successfully completed his Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Wolverhampton. Ravi is also a proud provider of Fastbraces® Technology.

His brother, Pritesh (Tesh), is also part of the practice. With their amazing team, they have made some improvements in the practice over the last 10 years, which means patients can now benefit from state of the art advancements in dentistry and facial aesthetics.

On the personal side, Ravi is married with 2 children – 1 boy and 1 girl. Most patients know he loves cricket and food. Ravi also swims and practices Wing Chun Kung Fu. He and his family love to travel to explore different cultures and cuisines.

Ravi says: "What I really enjoy about dentistry is the way we have changed people's lives by helping them with their confidence. The difference it makes still manages to surprise me."