Gum Disease Prevention & Management
Gum Disease is very common among North American adults, but can be easily prevented! Our Ladner dental team provides preventive and restorative gum disease treatments for the Delta community.
What is Gum Disease?
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).
When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy.
Gum Disease Signs & Symptoms:
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Diagnosis
If you have periodontal disease, your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to diagnose it by performing a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.
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Treatment
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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Maintenance & Prevention
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease (or indeed, developing it again).
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Periodontal Specialists for Delta Patients
If your periodontitis is advanced, we refer patients to the Periodontists at Proactice Periodontics in Burnaby for specialized treatment and management of periodontal (gum) disease. Visit Website