Gum disease is a common but serious dental condition that can affect patients at any age. Because it’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults, it’s important to address the condition as quickly as possible to prevent irreversible damage. Individuals in the East Gwillimbury, and Newmarket, ON area should contact Harvest Hills Dental Care right away if they experience any changes to their oral health such as swelling, redness, or bleeding of the gums. With our experience, we’ll work with you to develop a custom treatment plan designed to halt the progress of the disease and restore your oral health.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gum tissue that holds the teeth in place. Gingivitis is usually caused by inadequate oral hygiene and can range in severity. Common symptoms include red, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and bad breath. These symptoms are not normal and shouldn’t be ignored as they are a warning sign for advanced periodontal disease.
If gingivitis is left untreated it will advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads to the bone below the gum tissue and will continue to spread. As this occurs, gum tissue will recede from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets. These pockets become a breeding ground for trapped plaque and bacteria and will continue to cause bone loss until teeth become loose and fall out.
While improper oral hygiene is the biggest cause of gum disease, the following can also increase the risk:
The first step to offering successful treatment of gum disease is achieving an accurate diagnosis. To do this, we will measure the depths of the pockets around the teeth, take x-rays, and visually check for loose teeth or swollen bleeding gums. Once we determine the stage of the gum disease, we can recommend various treatment options such as a deep scaling and root planing treatment, topical and oral antibiotics, or when necessary, surgery to reduce the pockets around the teeth. Whether your gums are feeling a little tender or you notice bleeding while brushing, it’s important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. If you are in the area of East Gwillimbury or Newmarket, ON, call Harvest Hills Dental Care at (365) 659-1008 to schedule an appointment.