Protect Your Teeth Against Gum Disease

Gum disease is incredibly common, with 7 in 10 Canadians developing it at least once throughout their lives. It can start with few symptoms, some of which, like bleeding gums while brushing, are easy to ignore at first.

Left untreated, gum disease puts you at serious risk of tooth loss. There are also strong links between heart disease and gum disease.

Good periodontic care provides advanced care for your gums, teeth, and jawbones to protect your oral health for years to come. Book an appointment for your long-term dental health today.

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What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease typically starts with bacterial plaque that forms and hardens on the teeth to become tartar, eventually causing toxins to develop and irritate gums. Regular brushing with proper technique and flossing can prevent you from developing mild gum disease.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It typically starts with inflammation around the gum line. Common signs include tenderness or bleeding when you brush your teeth.

Left untreated, gingivitis may progress into a serious form of gum and bone disease called periodontitis. As the disease progresses, periodontal pockets form around the teeth and bones, causing bacteria and toxins to move down until the health of the bone holding the teeth is jeopardized.

Severe gum disease can destroy the gums and lead to tooth loss.

About Gum Disease

Signs of Gingivitis & Periodontitis

Your dentist can help diagnose any gum disease and recommend a course of treatment, but be on the lookout for these signs of gum disease:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Loose teeth
Chronic bad breath
Painful chewing
Receding gums
Pus between teeth and gums
New spaces between your teeth

Treatment For Gum Disease

The good news is that regular brushing (twice a day) and flossing (daily) can help prevent gum disease and reverse mild gingivitis. Regular dental exams and cleanings are key to preventing and detecting gum disease early.

For cases of gum disease, your hygiene appointment may be a deep clean that includes scaling below the gum line. Your personalized treatment for gum disease may also include antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.

In advanced cases of periodontitis, surgery may be recommended to restore bone loss, treat damaged roots, or repair pockets in the gum.

Who Is at Risk of Gum Disease?

Good brushing and oral health habits combined with regular dental check-ups can lower your risk of gum disease.

Risk factors for gum disease include:

Smoking or chewing tobacco
Family history of gum disease
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or menopause
Vitamin C deficiency
Obesity
Certain medications that cause dry mouth
Certain diseases, including diabetes

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

GINGIVITIS

Another Level of Dental Care

Our Periodontist

Dr. Eric Sade is our fully licensed periodontist. As a specialist, he’s able to provide a standard of periodontal care that just can’t be matched by a general dentist.

Book your dental appointment with us today.

Dental Implants

Periodontics also includes the area of dental implants. Implants can replace missing teeth or loose-fitting dentures using titanium metal roots that are implanted into the jawbone.

Subsequent bridgework or dentures allow for natural-looking teeth to be affixed to the implant, restoring function and cosmetics.