What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is caused by plaque – bacteria that builds up on your teeth and creates toxins. These toxins affect the gum tissue and bones surrounding the teeth.
While it may start painless and grow slowly, gum disease can have serious consequences. Not only could you lose your teeth, but gum health is connected with other aspects of oral and overall health, influencing the development of cancer. diabetes and heart disease. This is why it is critical that we don't allow it to progress into its more serious stages.
Types of Gum Disease
The two types of gum disease include:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease. At this point, gums may become sensitive, red, and swollen, and you may spot blood in your toothbrush or when you floss.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a much more serious form of gum disease. At this stage, your gums recede and bacteria eventually fills the pockets between gums and teeth. Light or moderate bone loss in the jaw is also possible.
Advanced periodontitis
Teeth lose support as your gums, bone, and periodontal ligament break down. Moderate to severe bone loss in your jaw may occur, and your teeth can become loose or fall out.
How to Maintain & Improve Gum Health
While gum disease can have frightening outcomes, most cases are highly preventable with routinely scheduled checkups and good oral hygiene at home. here is what you can do and how your dentist can help:
At Home
- Floss once per day
- Brush at least twice daily
- Rinse thoroughly with an alcohol-free anti-gingivitis mouthwash
- See your dentist regularly and let them know about any changes, gum sensitivity or soreness
What Your Dentist Can Do for Your Gums
Your dentist provides professional cleanings and tracks your oral health so any problems can be spotted early.
They will also you whether you have noticed any chance to the sensitivity of your gums, whether you have been following a regular routine of oral care, and whether they can answer any questions you might have about oral hygiene and care.
Treatments for Gum Disease
At Collingwood Dental Centre, we offer a variety of options to help you maintain healthy gums, and prevent and treat gum disease:
Preventive Hygiene
To treat early-stage gum disease, we recommend frequent hygiene appointments, deep cleanings and specialized home care routines.
Gum Grafts
This surgical procedure thickens your gums, protecting them against the damaging effects of gum recession. They can also help to improve the appearance fo your smile.
Teeth & Gum Contouring
These cosmetic procedures can alter your smile's overall look. Tooth contouring involves using a dnetal drill to shave away excess tooth material and reshape chipped or poorly aligned teeth. Excess gum tissue is likewise removed to contour or lift your gums.