Gum Disease
Do you have gum disease?
Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Whether it is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day.
- an increased risk of heart attack or stroke,
- an increased risk of delivering preterm, low birth weight babies,
- difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Symptoms are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. They include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
What causes periodontal disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.”
In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a
mild, reversible form of gum disease. When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” which means “inflammation around the tooth”. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that are infected. If not treated, you may risk losing your teeth.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
- Brush your teeth twice a day (with fluoride toothpaste)
- Floss every day
- Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
- Don’t use tobacco products
300 North Service Road West
Oakville, ON
L6M 2S1
Phone: 905-842-8484
Fax: 905-842-6296
Email: info@oakvilledental.com
Office Hours
| Mon: | 9:00am – 8:00pm |
| Tues: | 9:00am – 8:00pm |
| Wed: | 9:00am – 8:00pm |
| Thurs: | 9:00am – 8:00pm |
| Fri: | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Sat: | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
