There are different stages of gum disease that range from bleeding and inflamed gums to gum failure and tooth loss. Many Albertans suffer from some form of periodontal disease, and it’s important to treat it before it progresses into something worse. We can help you there!
What Causes Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease?
Your gums are a vital part of the living ecosystem of your mouth. Gum disease develops gradually over time as your gums become infected through the buildup of plaque.
Plaque results from the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth that break down food. This leaves a white film on your teeth that eats away at them. Most plaque is removed through brushing and flossing; but when plaque gets missed, it can burrow into the gums and turn into gum disease.
It’s important to be aware that other preexisting factors put you at an increased risk of periodontal disease, including:
- Diabetes.
- Tobacco use.
- Crooked teeth.
- Damaged teeth.
- Chipped or cracked teeth.
- Failing dental work that needs to be replaced.
All of these factors pose an increased risk to the structure of your gums. When you visit East Village Dental, we will examine your teeth and give you feedback about the current condition of your oral health and whether you are at risk for developing periodontal disease.
Gum Disease Treatment at Our Dental Office
Treating gum disease is one of the most important jobs that we have. It’s impossible to have a healthy smile if your gums are at risk. At East Village Dental, we have a comprehensive plan for preventing and treating gum disease.
Prevention | The best way to stop gum disease is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can typically be accomplished by routine cleanings every six months and practicing proper oral hygiene at home. These practices will keep your gums healthy and your mouth free of plaque.
Diagnosing Gum Disease | When you come into our office, we will screen your teeth for gum disease. We will check for certain signs, including:
- Swollen or inflamed gums with a red appearance.
- Persistent bad breath.
- A receding gum line.
- Gums that bleed.
- Loose teeth.
- Etc.
If we determine that you have periodontal disease, we can offer gentle, surface-level procedures that will restore the health of your gums and help make them strong and vibrant.
Scaling and Root Planing
This is the process of removing tartar and other buildup from the teeth and gums. Our dental hygienists will perform this nonsurgical procedure. It is a common treatment for gum disease that is gentle and effective. We may use laser technology to aid in healing as well.
Book your dental hygiene cleaning today!
At-Home Gum Care
East Village Dental encourages and educates to ensure success in keeping your mouth healthy at home! A common response to gum disease might be to brush your teeth or gums harder because that is where the infection is, but that is actually the opposite of what should be done. Gum disease causes gum recession which leads to more access for bacteria. Instead, you should refrain from brushing your gums to avoid causing further gum recession.
Instead, you should focus on brushing just the teeth—in a gentle manner—and regularly floss and use mouthwash to clean the gums. Our dental team will provide you with an at-home dental plan designed for your exact needs.
Visit us at East Village Dental today!
What Are the Dangers of Not Treating My Gum Disease?
Your gums help keep your teeth and the rest of your mouth healthy. If left untreated, periodontal disease can gradually cause the rest of your oral health to decay. Your gums may recede to the point that your teeth fall out. This, in turn, can lead to jawbone loss.
The good news about periodontal disease is that it can be reversed at East Village Dental!
Why Do I Have Such Bad Breath?
Bad breath can occur from a variety of factors. Our mouths are full of bacteria that help break down food. As it breaks down, this food causes the occurrence of plaque. Plaque is full of bacteria that produce odors, and this smell can get progressively worse as gum disease develops, the bacteria multiply, and it gets harder to clean.
At East Village Dental, we make sure to educate you on proper oral hygiene and put your bad breath to bed!
At-Home Gum Care
To prevent the development of gum disease, it’s important to have a good oral hygiene plan in place.
- Brush Your Teeth: You should brush twice a day with the toothbrush angled away from your gums. And be gentle but thorough; you don’t need to scrub with elbow grease! Scrubbing too hard can cause gum recession.
- Floss: Flossing your teeth is probably the single most important thing you can do for your gums. Getting between your teeth can really help prevent plaque from progressing to tartar.
- Attend Preventative Dental Visits: Though not strictly “at home,” regular visits to our Calgary office are an important part of keeping your gums healthy. We can catch the beginnings of gum disease and give you advice on how to handle it.
Why Visit East Village Dental for Gingivitis and Periodontitis Treatment?
Our doctors at East Village Dental care about your whole health—not just your teeth. When you have problems with your gums, it can affect the rest of your body too. Come to our office to get excellent health care for your teeth, gums, and total health system!
Get Excellent Periodontal Care at East Village Dental!
Your gums help hold the rest of your smile together, and they deserve the best care. If you are one of the many people experiencing periodontal disease, we are here to help heal your mouth.
Through advanced dental procedures like scaling and root planing, we can restore the natural health of your gums. Give our office a call and schedule your appointment today!