What Is Periodontal
(Gum) Disease?
Gum disease is a very common ailment of many people. Our
mouths are the perfect environment for bacteria to fester if proper hygiene
practices are not put into place. There are different stages of gum diseases,
and it is important to know what to watch out for. A reliable dentist in
Etobicoke will help you catch and treat gum diseases in the early stages and
keep your mouth in a healthy state.
Risk Factors of Gum Disease
- Smoking: This nasty habit cannot only increase your risk of
gum disease, but it can also reduce the effectiveness of treatments once
identified.
- Hormonal changes (females): This increases sensitivity of the
gums, making them more susceptible to gum disease.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of many
types of infections, including gum infections.
- Medications: Some medications reduce the natural production of
saliva, leaving someone with a symptom called dry mouth. A lack of saliva actually leaves the person at risk
of developing gum disease as it offers protective properties to the mouth.
- Genetics: Some people are just more prone than others to gum
disease.
Gingivitis
This is just a fancy word that means inflammation of the
gums. It is actually a mild form of gum disease, but it should still be
identified early to prevent further damage. This is often caused by prolonged
tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth, which allows bacteria to multiply and
eventually cause the hallmark signs of red and inflamed gums. This type of gum
disease is typically reversible with routine cleanings, daily brushing and
flossing. In this condition, no bone or tissue loss occurs.
Signs of
Gingivitis
- Swollen gums
- Soft or puffy gums
- Receding gums
- Gums that easily bleed when flossing
- A change in colour of your gums (i.e., dusky red)
Periodontitis
This form of gum disease is the aftermath of untreated
gingivitis, which is why it is so important to identify gum disease early. Not
only are the gums inflamed, but so is the tissue around the teeth. This can
become concerning because the gums start to form pockets as they pull away from
the tooth, which allow bacteria to grow below the gum line. This increases the
body's immune response to fight off this bacterial invasion, which actually
produces a negative result in the breakdown of connective tissue that functions
to stabilize the teeth. This is particularly detrimental if left untreated; the
connective tissues and gums will wear away, which loosen teeth.
Signs of Periodontitis
- Gums that feel tender when touched
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- New spaces between teeth
- A change in your bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
Treatment Options
Typically, there are two treatment options: surgical and
non-surgical. A non-surgical treatment simply uses the traditional methods of scaling
during your regular dental checkups. This removes the tartar from the tooth
surface. If you have signs of gum disease, you may have to add an extra visit
to your regular checkups. There are also root planning procedures, which might involve
a local anaesthetic to remove tartar as well as rough spots on the tooth,
restoring its smoothness (planning). The planning process actually removes
bacteria, allowing a smooth surface for the gums to reattach themselves to the
teeth.
Surgical measures are warranted when the tissue around the
teeth is unhealthy and non-surgical treatment options will not suffice.
Surgical procedures for gum disease include pocket reduction surgery, bone
grafts, soft tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and bone surgery.
Talk to a reliable dentist in Etobicoke about signs and
preventable measures to reduce the risk of gum disease.