Did you know that gum disease (periodontal disease) is the most common dental problem in Canada and affects seven out of ten Canadians at some point in their lives according to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA)? If you’d like to learn more about this issue and whether or not you are in need of a gum disease treatment, call Lakewood Dental Centre at 204-977-8515!
With the help of our team, Dr. Doug McDermid and Dr. Rose K. Dhillon provide many general dentistry services, including effective gum disease treatment at our Winnipeg, MB dentist office. By catching the problem early, we can reverse inflammation and infection so your gums, jawbone, and teeth can return to a healthy state!
Read more below if you’d like to learn a little more about:
- What gum disease is
- What the symptoms and potential contributing factors are
- How gum disease is treated (and prevented)
Visit Us For Gum Disease Treatment And More
Like the rest of your body, the earlier an infection in your mouth is caught, the better. The three stages of gum disease, from earliest to most severe, are:
- Gingivitis, which results when a patient’s gums become inflamed due to a buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria. With a professional gum disease treatment, routine cleanings from a dentist, and improved oral hygiene, gingivitis is typically reversible.
- Periodontitis, which is characterized by significant and irreversible damage to your jawbone and the supporting fibers in your gums that hold your teeth in place. Professional treatment and proper oral hygiene can prevent further deterioration.
- Advanced Periodontitis, which means the bone and tissue supporting teeth is destroyed, resulting in shifting or loose teeth. Without aggressive treatment by a dentist or specialist, tooth loss may occur.
Regardless of your current situation, we will do our very best to treat your gum disease and improve your oral health. If we are unable to address your particular case, we will refer you to a periodontal specialist.
By paying attention to your oral health, you can do your part to catch gum disease before it becomes a major issue. Here are some of the potential symptoms you should keep an eye out for:
- Gums that bleed easily after brushing and/or flossing your teeth
- Swollen, red, and/or tender gums
- Teeth that feel loose
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or foods
- A gumline that has receded, exposing tooth roots
- Chronic and/or persistent bad breath
- A (sudden) change in the way teeth (or dentures) fit together when biting down
- Deep pockets that form between the teeth and gums
You should also be aware of any activities or habits that may be part of the problem. Some of the potential contributing factors to gum disease are:
- Smoking, chewing tobacco, and other forms of tobacco consumption
- Poor oral hygiene
- A family history of periodontal disease
- Dry mouth (and certain medications that result in dry mouth as a side effect)
- Hormonal changes that can occur during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy
Granted, you can’t avoid all of the potential contributing factors listed above, but being aware of them will help you stay more aware of the threat and act accordingly.
If you do have gum disease, we will use one or some combination of the following treatments:
- Scaling, which is a method of deep cleaning your tooth roots and removing harmful bacteria from between your teeth and gumline
- Root planing, which smooths your tooth roots, making them a less hospitable environment for the germs that cause gum disease
- Perio Protect, which uses custom-fitted trays to deliver a special medication to the space between your tooth roots and gumline, where brushing and flossing can’t reach
Once you are free of gum disease, there are several things you should do to prevent it from becoming an issue again. For starters, you should:
- Brush your teeth twice a day or after every meal if possible
- Floss at least once daily
- Use a mouthwash or rinse if recommended
Because there are spaces in your mouth that are impossible to get to without the help of a professional, you’ll also need to visit us every six months for a thorough dental cleaning and exam.
If you’d like to ensure your teeth have a strong foundation of healthy gums and jawbone, call Lakewood Dental Centre at 204-977-8515 to find out if you need a gum disease treatment. You can also visit us in person at our Winnipeg, MB dentist office or use our handy online form to schedule or ask questions.