Gum Disease

Inflammation of the gum tissue is called gingivitis. It caused by plaque or calculus build up along the gum line on-setting irritation and swelling. If plaque is not removed from daily brushing and flossing it hardens in tartar. This is just one way that gum disease begins.

Signs that you have gum disease are:

• Gums bleeding while brushing
• Red, swollen and tender gums
• Lingering bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Gums receding from the teeth

 

Not seeing these visible symptoms does not mean you do not have gum disease, you still may have a certain degree of gum disease. The back of your mouth and certain teeth are not in clear vision and only your dentist can recognize and determine what is infected.

There are four stages of gum disease:

Stage 1 Gingivitis – inflammation of the gingiva(gums) without bone loss.

Stage 2 Early Periodontitis – inflammation of the gingiva and the surrounding tissue that results in early bone loss.

Stage 3 Moderate Periodontitis – inflammation of the gingiva and the surrounding tissue that results in moderate bone loss

Stage 4 Advanced Periodontitis – inflammation of the gingiva and the surrounding tissue that results in severe bone loss

At this point there is no longer an anchor for the teeth and the outcome is usually tooth loss.

 

The causes of gum disease are :

• Tobacco smoking or chewing
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Certain types of medication
• Genes
• Grinding, gritting or clenching of teeth
• Poor nutrition
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Fillings that have become defective

 

As important as it is to know the causes of gum disease, it is equally as necessary to know how to prevent it. Our team at Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic want you to start caring for your teeth right now!

 

• Brush twice daily for at least 3 minutes and floss. Ask us for any tips on brushing or if you are doing it properly
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Daily mouth rinses that contain fluoride are a great idea also.
• Use a toothbrush with soft, polished brushes, these are less likely to irritate or damage your enamel and gums.
• Eat a healthy diet, stay away from foods packed with sugar, that plaque loving bacteria love to feed on!
• Do not smoke! You hear it all the time and here it is again, it causes mouth irritation and is very unhealthy for your teeth and gums.
• Come and see us, we want to see you! Regular visits are essential to your oral health and the prevention of gum disease

 

Gum disease does not just go away or improve with care from home. Professional cleaning is the only way to remove plaque deep under the gums. And once you have had gum problems, you stay susceptible to recurring problems.

Treatments range and are determined by what stage of gum disease you have. Please visit our South Calgary office for more information on gum disease treatment and prevention. We looking forward to serving you and keeping your mouth, teeth and gums at their healthiest!