Gum Disease Prevention
Your gum health is in your hands.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is the inflammation of tissue surrounding the teeth, including the supporting bone tissue. It is caused by the presence of bacteria (plaque) on the tooth surface that has migrated beneath the gums where toothbrush bristles and floss cannot reach. If untreated, gum disease can result in abscesses and even tooth loss.
Untreated Gum Disease Can Lead To:
- Bone loss and tooth loss
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Certain cancers
- Respiratory disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pregnancy complications
Who Is Affected by Gum Disease?
Gum disease is at epidemic levels. It is the 6th most common chronic disease in the world and the Canadian Dental Association has stated that 70% of Canadians will develop gum disease at some point during their lives.
The disease process is multifactorial, which means that just because someone has bacteria on his/her tooth surface doesn’t mean they will be susceptible to periodontitis. Factors such as genetics (e.g. a family history of tooth loss), habits (e.g. smoking), and/or medical status (e.g. diabetes) play a large role in the development and progression of the disease.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Gum Disease?
You can help keep gum disease at bay with good home care (regular brushing and flossing) and a treatment plan developed by a periodontist. A treatment plan includes:
Patient
Education
One-on-one instruction on maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
Regular Professional Cleanings
Professional cleanings are necessary to eliminate those difficult-to-reach bacteria that thrive beneath your gums and in the nooks and crannies of your mouth.
Regular
Checkups
An exam by Dr. Gibson every year to closely monitor your gums to be sure there are no signs of disease progression.
Why Get Your Regular Cleanings With Us?
Who better to help you prevent gum disease than a gum specialist? We’re experts in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions involving the gums. Dr. Gibson and our hygienists work together closely to identify problem areas and stop gum disease before it starts.
If you’re feeling uneasy, even when it comes to dental cleanings, our hygienists are also trained to provide nitrous sedation (“laughing gas”) to help you relax during your appointment.