As London’s specialist gum disease clinic opens, is it time to rethink your oral health regime?

At least 80 per cent of us suffer from the most common disease on earth. It can have catastrophic effects on our physical and even mental health, yet can be easily and cheaply treated at home. However, many of us scarcely bother to try. And that’s something that Dr Reena Wadia is determined to change. Dr Wadia is a periodontist, a specialist in gum health and she’s opened London’s specialist gum disease clinic, RW Perio in Marylebone, where she is gently prodding my own gums with a pointy implement.

“Gum disease is strongly related to systemic health,” she says. “It causes bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, tooth movement and loss. Even more seriously, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis as well as adversely affecting diabetes control and complications.”

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Some of the bacteria in plaque, such as P. gingivalis, irritate the gums, triggering inflammation, redness, swelling and soreness. The first sign is often bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. As it progresses, pockets open up around the teeth and decay and disease-causing bacteria get in.