Periodontal Therapy Toronto

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, including inflammation and infection of gums, ligaments, and bone. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in Canadian adults, and studies indicate that at least 75% of North Americans over age 35 have some form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis (gums disease) and periodontitis (gums and bone disease) are the two main forms of periodontal disease.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations are essential in prevention and early detection of gum disease – which sometimes develops without any warning signs, and can actually remain undetected until it becomes severe. For example, in a recent study, 8 out of 10 people surveyed believed they did not have periodontal disease, but 7 out of 10 exhibited one or more symptoms.

Symptoms of gum disease

• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Gums that are swollen or bleed easily
• Sensitivity of teeth and gums

Addressing these conditions as early as possible is the best way to retain your natural teeth. A professional deep dental cleaning (scaling and root planing) targets bacteria and debris that irritate the gum tissue. In some cases your dentist may also need to implement procedures such as bone grafting or locally placed antibiotics.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a gum infection that damages the soft tissue of the gum. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to severe decay of your teeth and destroy the bone that supports teeth. It can eventually lead to loosened or complete loss of your teeth.

Symptoms of gum disease include swollen gums, bright red or purple gums, gums that bleed easily, gums that are tender to the touch, and bad breath. Other symptoms include loosened teeth, painful chewing, receding gums, and new spaces developed between your teeth.

Gum disease is common but can be prevented with proper oral hygiene, such as regularly brushing your teeth, flossing every night, and regularly visiting your dentist.

What causes gum disease?

Poor oral hygiene is one of the primary causes of gum disease. If you don’t regularly floss, brush, and rinse your teeth, the buildup of bacteria, along with food and other debris, creates plaque on your teeth.

Smoking is also a major cause of gum disease by affecting the attachment of the bone and soft tissue of your teeth. It interferes with the normal function of your gum tissue cells, which can lead to weakened or infected gum tissues.

Other causes of gum disease include certain medications that reduce your saliva, diabetes, hormonal changes, certain illnesses, and genetics.

How is gum disease treated?

The first step to treating gum disease is a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums. You want to control the infection so it doesn’t spread further in your mouth. Your dentist will clean in and around your gum and go under the gum line. They will also scrape off any tartar or plaque built-up on your teeth and perform root planing. Root planing is when the dentist smooths out the rough surfaces of the roots of your teeth to allow the tooth to better reattach to the gums.

The next step is medication. There are several types of medication, such as antibiotics, gels, microspheres, or surgery. Antibiotics, gels, and microspheres help reduce further infection and get rid of bacteria. If the problem is serious, your dentist may recommend surgery to cover exposed tooth roots or get tartar and build up from deep underneath your gum line.

What are my treatment options?

It depends on the severity of your gum disease. Deep cleaning your teeth and removing any tartar or debris can help prevent further infections and allow your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth. The dentist may insert microspheres or oral or gel antibiotics to help you fight bacteria and heal the gums and tooth roots.

If these options don’t work, the dentist might recommend gum graft surgery or flap surgery further deep clean your gums and take soft tissue from other parts of your mouth to cover exposed areas.

How do I prevent gum disease?

Practicing good oral hygiene is a great way to prevent gum disease. You should also have a healthy, balanced diet and reduce smoking or the use of tobacco products. You should also be aware of gingivitis and reach out to your dentist if you notice any signs.

To ensure that your oral health remains optimal, schedule regular check-ups and periodontal disease screenings at City Oasis Dental in Toronto.

At City Oasis Dental we often treat patients with periodontal disease. Please call us at 647-980-1200 and book your check-up and screening appointment.