How to Recognize the Signs of Gum Disease

One of the reasons why we strongly recommend regular dental checkups here at Margolian Dentistry is so that we can keep a close eye on your gum health. You need strong and healthy gums to support your teeth, but unfortunately, gum disease is a common condition.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky, colourless biofilm that builds up over your tooth surfaces between regular brushing and flossing. If dental plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. The bacteria in plaque and calculus produce acid and toxins that attack your teeth and gums, causing gum inflammation or gum disease.

Early gum disease, a condition called gingivitis in Whitby, is easily treated and entirely reversible. However, without prompt treatment, there is a real risk that gingivitis could develop into periodontitis. This is a serious form of gum disease that can become chronic. Periodontitis is a major cause of tooth loss. Over the past few years, clinical research has shown a connection between this condition and other serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases.

Although some people have medical conditions that increase their susceptibility towards developing gum disease, it is frequently caused by poor oral care, and it is an avoidable condition.

How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?

The early symptoms of gum disease are often painless and easily ignored, so it’s important to recognize the signs and to make an appointment to see our dentist in Oshawa promptly.

Signs to be aware of include:

  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Inflamed gums that look red and swollen
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Gum recession so your teeth look longer than before
  • Increased tooth sensitivity as gum recession exposes tooth roots
  • Changes in the way your teeth bite together
  • New gaps between your teeth
  • Teeth that feel loose when you wobble them with your tongue or a finger

How We Can Help

If you are concerned about your gum health, the sooner you come and see us, the better. We can carefully examine your gums, provide a diagnosis and suitable treatment plan, and hopefully prevent tooth loss.

Treatment aims to remove as much of the harmful bacteria causing the inflammation and infection so your gums are more able to heal. One way we can do this is by professionally cleaning your teeth. If you have only mild gum disease, we may suggest seeing a hygienist for a professional dental cleaning or scale and polish. During this appointment, our hygienist uses special hand tools to loosen tartar and remove it thoroughly before gently polishing your teeth.

We can also review your oral hygiene routine, which can be a very useful process. Toothbrushing and flossing is such an automatic habit that most people don’t think about what they are doing and can easily miss areas of their mouth. Our hygienist can show you how to brush more thoroughly so all tooth surfaces are cleaned and discuss flossing properly. Don’t worry if you hate using dental floss, as other tools can be equally as effective. After your dental cleaning, you will need to continue to clean your teeth thoroughly and regularly and should soon see your gum health improve.

If you have more advanced gum disease or periodontitis in Ajax, one of the treatments we may recommend is a process to deep clean your gums. Because advanced gum disease causes gum recession, it creates deep pockets between the teeth and the gums, exposing tooth roots and harbouring harmful bacteria. These deep pockets are thoroughly cleaned and can be sterilized using a dental laser, enabling your gums to heal more easily.

 

Share this post

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Share on print
Share on email

READY FOR THE SMILE OF YOUR DREAMS?

Contact Our Team Today!