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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:
Gum disease, commonly known as periodontal disease, is a frequent dental issue caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums. It starts as gingivitis, which makes the gums red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If untreated, it often progresses to periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss. The good news is that it is completely preventable and treatable with the proper oral care and regular dental checkups!
Gum disease is primarily the result of poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) to accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth. Other contributing factors include smoking, stress, genetics, hormonal changes (like during pregnancy), and certain medical conditions, including diabetes. Keeping up with brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings will work wonders in keeping gum disease at bay.
Typical indicators of gum disease are gums that appear red, swollen, or sensitive, bleeding during brushing or flossing, a persistent bad odor in the mouth, and gums starting to pull away from the teeth. If you experience any of these signs, remain calm. Make an appointment with your Harvest Hills Dental Care dentist, and we will help you restore your gum health!
Yes, the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is reversible. With consistent oral care, including brushing, flossing, and routine professional dental cleanings, you can stop gingivitis in its tracks. However, advanced gum disease (referred to as periodontitis) requires more intensive treatment to manage but can still be treated to prevent further damage.
Preventing gum disease is about maintaining a solid dental routine. Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dental team at Harvest Hills Dental Care regularly for cleanings and checkups. Don’t forget about your diet, too. Limit sugary snacks and include gum-healthy foods like crunchy veggies and dairy. Small habits make a dramatic difference in your overall oral health and wellness journey.
Research links gum disease to other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and even possible pregnancy complications. Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body in what is called the “oral-systemic connection,” so keeping your gums healthy is an essential part of overall wellness.
The treatment options vary based on the severity of the gum disease. For gingivitis, a professional cleaning at our office and better oral hygiene practices at home normally resolve the issue. In cases of periodontitis, we recommend more intensive treatments such as deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, or, in some instances, laser therapy.
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.
