Your Kanata Invisalign® Provider
Not only can gum disease threaten your oral health, but it can also cause other issues. Our dentists in Kanata explain how to prevent periodontitis and preserve your gum health.
What is Gum Disease?
Plaque — the bacteria that build up on your teeth and create toxins — causes gum (periodontal) disease. Gum tissue and bones surrounding the teeth are affected.
While you may not feel any pain at first while gum disease slowly progresses, this condition can have serious consequences for your health. Not only could you lose your teeth, but because gum health is linked to many other aspects of oral and physical health, the disease can leave you at risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. That's why we mustn't allow it to progress to its more serious stages.
Types of Gum Disease
The two types of gum disease include:
Gingivitis
During this early stage of gum disease, gums may become red, swollen and sensitive, and you may notice blood in your toothbrush when you floss.
Periodontitis
As the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis often involves gum recession. Eventually, pockets between gums and teeth become filled with bacteria. Light to moderate bone loss in the jaw can also occur.
Advanced Periodontitis
Teeth lose support as your gums, bone, and periodontal ligament break down. Moderate to severe bone loss in your jaw may occur, and your teeth can become loose or fall out.
How to Maintain & Improve Gum Health
Though gum disease has scary outcomes, most cases are preventable with good oral hygiene and regular checkups. Here’s what you can do at home and how your dentist can help:
At Home
- Brush at least twice daily
- Floss once per day
- Rinse thoroughly with an alcohol-free anti-gingivitis mouthwash
- See your dentist regularly and let them know about any changes, gum sensitivity or soreness
What Your Dentist Can Do for Your Gums
Your dentist provides professional cleanings and tracks your oral health so any problems can be spotted early.
They’ll ask if you’ve noticed any changes or sensitivity in your gums, whether you’ve been following your regular oral care routine, and whether can answer questions about oral hygiene and care.
Treatments for Gum Disease
There are numerous treatments for gum disease, and a variety of options to help you prevent the condition and maintain healthy gums.
Preventive Hygiene
To treat early-stage gum disease, we recommend frequent hygiene appointments, deep cleanings and specialized home care routines.
Gum Grafts
This surgical procedure thickens gums, protects against the damaging effects of gum recession and can help improve the appearance of your smile.
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Surgery
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a scalpel-free, suture-free option for treating gum recession. A dentist uses a needle to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue, through which they use special instruments to gently loosen the gum tissue. The gumline is gently adjusted to cover the exposed root structure.
Teeth & Gum Contouring
These cosmetic procedures can help improve your smile’s overall aesthetics. Teeth contouring involves using a dental drill to shave away excess tooth material and reshaping chipped, uneven or poorly aligned teeth, while excess gum tissue is removed to contour or lift gums.