Did you know that in Canada, most dental losses in adults are attributed to gum diseases? Since losing a single tooth is irreversible and can have consequences on oral health, it is important to know how to prevent gum disease and related complications.
Our team addresses this critical component of the health of your smile, by offering a quick refresh of how gum disease occurs, as well as offering preventive advice.
Gum disease: how do they evolve?
Gum diseases are usually caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, close to dental roots and gum tissue. This build-up may be due to inadequate dental hygiene, or a lack of professional follow-up.
Because they contain bacteria in high concentrations, plaque and tartar cause inflammation of the gum tissue. When no dental treatment is provided to stop this source of inflammation, gum disease worsens. To help you get a clearer picture, here’s how we classify the types of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: At this stage, it is the gums that show signs of inflammation: redness, slight swelling, bleeding when brushing teeth and flossing. When detected at this stage, professional cleaning and proper hygiene routine are sufficient to control gum disease.
- Light periodontitis: Inflammation spreads to the rest of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. A slight degradation of the alveolar bone of the jaw has already started.
- Advanced periodontitis: Periodontal pockets form. Those are spaces between the gum and the root in which bacteria accumulate. The latter then result in the destruction of the bone, which is more important.
- Severe periodontitis: At a severe stage, periodontitis causes serious destruction of the alveolar bone in which the roots of the teeth fit. The teeth can then become mobile and dental loss is possible.
To learn more about periodontitis, thesymptoms and the treatments associated with it, please check out this article on our blog.
Better safe than sorry
Gum disease has the advantage of being detected quickly, as it is easily reversible when it is in an early stage. However, you should know that the bone degradation caused by periodontitis is irreversible; it is therefore better to avoid it.
As always when it comes to your oral health, it is best to act to prevent gum disease to avoid the complications associated with it. In this sense, here are our best tips:
- Have impeccable dental hygiene. This includes brushing teeth after each meal and before bedtime, but also flossing daily.
- Eat a healthy diet, as adequate intake of vitamin and minerals contributes to the health of the tissues of the mouth.
- Avoid tobacco, as it interferes with gum oxygenation and makes them more vulnerable to infection.
- Control your alcohol intake, as it is an irritant to the tissues of the mouth.
- Make sure you see your dentist on a regular basis. Routine visits can be used to detect and diagnose gum disease.
The Dents Mon Quartier team offers a range of services for the prevention and treatment of gum disease. If you're worried, don't hesitate to consult Dr. Charouk and her team, who will see to the health of your entire mouth!
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D