Gum Disease

According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) a full seven out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their lives. Gum disease is the most common dental problem and can often go undetected with no signs of pain or discomfort for years.

Gum disease is the result of accumulated plaque that sticks to the edge of your gums and can eventually harden into tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar buildup can be prevented by every day brushing and flossing but only regular visits to the dentist can fully prevent it from accumulating which is why it is so important to visit the dentist at least twice a year.

Left untreated, gum disease can eventually advance to inflammation of the gums, bone and tooth loss, and even further down the line heart attack, strokes and diabetes.

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

The most common name for the accumulation of bacteria around the gums is “gum disease” but there are in fact three stages of the malady:

1. Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease and is caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. Patients with gingivitis experience inflammation around the gums caused by the toxin-containing bacteria that irritates the gums. Bleeding, puffy, red or swollen gums are usually an indication of gingivitis and these issues can be reversed as the gum disease has not yet advanced to the connective tissue that hold the teeth in place.
2. Periodontitis: The second stage of gum disease, periodontitis occurs when the bacteria moves from the gum line to the supporting bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place. At this point in time the gums and bone are irreversibly damaged although professional dental treatment can help prevent the periodontitis from moving to the third stage of gum disease.
3. Advanced Periodontitis: The final and most detrimental stage of gum disease, advanced periodontitis means the fibers and bones that support the teeth have been completely broken down by bacteria and infection. This can cause your teeth to loosen, shift or fall out entirely. Aggressive treatment is needed at this stage of gum disease and the teeth may have to be removed if they have not already fallen out on their own.

Gum Disease Symptoms

Gum disease is a common dental problem but early detection is the best way to prevent advanced stages of gum disease. Contact our office immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of gum disease:

1. Red, swollen or puffy gums
2. Gums that regularly bleed during brushing or flossing
3. Gums that have receded from the teeth
4. Persistent bad breath
5. Pus from the teeth and gums
6. Loose or shifting teeth

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Prevention is the best approach to avoiding gum disease as you don’t want it to get to a point where it evolves to something irreversible. The first step in gum disease prevention is brushing at least twice a day and flossing your teeth at least once a day. In addition to regular at-home dental hygiene, regular dental examinations and cleanings are recommended so that we can detect any early signs of gum disease and take measures to treat it accordingly.

Treating Gum Disease

The initial stages of gum disease (gingivitis) can often be treated with a professional cleaning. This cleaning will help to remove all plaque and tartar that has built up around the gum line and help you to have healthy and pink gums.

More advanced stages of gum disease may require a root planing treatment. Root planing is the process of cleaning between the gums and teeth down to the roots of the teeth. Advanced periodontitis may require additional treatment and this will be determined upon your specific dental needs.

Gum disease is a very serious issue that has been linked with other life-threatening health risks. If you or a loved one are displaying signs of gum disease a proactive approach would be to consult our office immediately so that we can help to address the problem before it advances. Contact Linden Market Dental Centre today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rykiss.