Millions of people have some form of gum disease, so if your gums are red, swollen, and sore, you may want to contact your dentist for a dental examination. If treated early, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile again. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a prevalent issue. It occurs when plaque and bacteria form on the gum line of the teeth, causing the gums to become inflamed. Eventually, the bacteria create pockets below the gum line, a prime environment for infection.
There are three stages of severity when it comes to this condition: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Your Toronto, ON, dentist can work to reverse the process and restore your oral health.
The Negative Effects of Neglecting Gum Disease
If gum disease is not treated in its early stages, it can progress into more serious gum disease. When caught and treated quickly, it can sometimes be halted altogether. However, if the condition is caught at a late stage, it can result in the need for ongoing treatments, which can be much more costly than regular dental cleanings.
While many people who experience gum disease do not have pain, it's essential to look out for the signs of this complication. Here are some common symptoms:
- Receding gums, or gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Loose teeth in adults
- Swollen or red gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing regularly
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene or lack of appropriate dental care.
A good oral hygiene routine requires brushing and flossing at least twice daily and visiting your Toronto dentist regularly for exams and professional teeth cleanings.
Regular exams and periodic x-rays can help your dentist detect dental problems before they become serious issues. For example, regular dental exams can uncover gingivitis before it becomes gum disease.
Professional teeth cleanings help clear away the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that lead to gum disease.
Other factors may contribute to gum disease or exacerbate the symptoms, including:
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Dry mouth
Gum disease not only claims your smile, but studies have found that it may also contribute to (or be linked to) other health conditions, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Premature births
- Diabetes
- Respiratory disease
When left untreated, the condition will break down the bones that surround your teeth and eventually can cause tooth loss in addition to severe decay. It also gives time for the plaque on the teeth to harden, which promotes even more plaque and bacteria to form.
Periodontal Treatment Can Save Your Smile
If you have any questions about gum disease, or if you think you may have this condition, contact our office today for more information. We look forward to helping you restore your teeth and gums to a healthy state, and our team of experts is always happy to answer any questions you may have about gum disease!
Gum disease is a severe infection of the soft tissues, periodontal ligaments, and bones that support teeth. Without treatment, it compromises these tooth-support structures until they can no longer support teeth.
Fortunately, treatment can halt the progression of gum disease before it claims your smile. At Toronto Lakeshore Dental, our dentist examines your teeth and gums and decides on a course of treatment that addresses your unique disease progression.
Treatments may include scaling and root planing (cleaning below the gum line), antibiotics, and a diligent dental hygiene routine.
Contact Our Etobicoke Dental Office for Periodontal Disease Treatment
Gum disease treatment from the expert dental team at Toronto Lakeshore Dental can stop the progression of periodontal disease and save your smile. Contact us at (416) 503-3335 to schedule a dental exam.