Gum disease affects nearly half of adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss. It is also painless in its early stages. Here is what to look for and what to do about it.
Gum Disease Edmonton, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins when plaque along the gumline is not fully removed, hardens into tartar, and the gum reacts with inflammation. Early on this is gingivitis: red, puffy gums that bleed. If the tartar stays, the infection spreads below the gum and starts destroying bone. That is periodontitis.
Because it does not hurt until it is advanced, most people find out from a hygienist, not from pain.
Gingivitis is inflammation confined to the gum. It is fully reversible with a professional cleaning and consistent home care. Periodontitis means bone has been lost. It comes in mild, moderate and severe stages measured by how deep the pockets around the teeth are and how much bone the X-rays show. Periodontitis can be stopped and stabilized, but the lost bone does not return.
A periodontal chart at Yours Dental Hygiene measures six points on every tooth so we know exactly which stage you are at.
Bleeding when you brush or floss is the earliest and most reliable sign. Healthy gums do not bleed. Other signs include gums that look dark red or swollen, gums pulling back so teeth look longer, persistent bad breath, a bad taste, teeth that feel loose or have shifted, and spaces opening between teeth.
If you have any of these, a gum assessment is the next step.
Plaque is the cause. These make it worse:
Treatment matches the stage:
You should be checked when:
Yours Dental Hygiene in southeast Edmonton assesses and treats gum disease with evening and weekend appointments, direct billing and CDCP coverage.
