Although they may not necessarily be at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to health care, our gums are a very important aspect of our oral health. They help anchor our teeth in place and connect them to our facial bones, specifically our upper and lower jaw. All these systems are highly interconnected, and when one of them becomes damaged, this can influence the integrity of our entire smile.
For more information about the health of your gums, contact a dentist in NW Calgary.
What is Periodontal Care?
Periodontal is a term that means “around your tooth”, which quite literally describes our gums. When our gums become infected or diseased, we can experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms. If this infection is left to fester, it can lead to serious problems like bone deterioration and even tooth loss.
The progression of this condition is characterized by multiple stages of severity. The beginning stages often go undetected because it typically doesn’t cause you to experience much, if any, pain.
Noted below are the common symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Bleeding gums.
- Your teeth are starting to loosen.
- Gaps are beginning to form in between your teeth.
- Your gums are tender.
- Inflammation, redness, and swollen gum tissue.
- Receding gums.
- There’s pus around your teeth.
- Chronic bad breath.
In addition to these various signs, a number of other risk factors can increase the chances of periodontal disease developing – smoking, a poor diet, and poor oral hygiene are two of the most notorious examples. Once it has manifested, periodontal disease may also give rise to other physical illnesses like bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, and risky pregnancy.
Since periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, seeking out periodontal care earlier as opposed to later is important. If you’re unsure whether you require periodontal care in Calgary, it’s always better to be cautious and book an appointment with your general dentist.
Diagnosing the Stages of Periodontal Disease
Your dentist in Calgary will be able to determine whether you have periodontal disease, specifically which stage of the disease you’re experiencing. Once this has been done, they’ll be able to recommend the most appropriate form of treatment to help get your oral health back to normal.
The three stages of periodontal disease are:
- Gingivitis
The beginning stages often goes unnoticed. Plaque starts to build up within your gum tissues, emitting a toxin that causes irritation and bleeding. They’ll also feel extremely tender.
- Periodontitis
This stage is when the buildup of plaque begins to harden in tartar. Your gums will also start to recede, leaving your teeth more vulnerable. This phenomenon causes pockets to form in the space between your teeth and gums which quickly becomes filled with more bacteria. Bone loss can start to occur during this stage.
- Advanced periodontitis.
Bone loss becomes far more serious, resulting in unsupported teeth and gum ligaments. If left untreated, these conditions will grow worse and tooth loss will follow.
Treating Periodontal Disease
For most, if not all, health conditions, the sooner you seek out treatment, the better and the same goes for periodontal disease.
To remedy gingivitis, you’ll need to come in for multiple teeth cleanings. Your dentist will also discuss your daily routine with you; actively brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least twice a day will result in a significant improvement in your oral health.
For the second and third stages, a scaling and root planning treatment will be needed. Local anesthesia is utilized to freeze your mouth and then each of your pockets will be thoroughly cleaned of plaque and tartar. Any areas in your gums that are rough are smoothed out; this helps encourage the tissue to heal and reattach to your teeth if it’s receded. You may also be provided with prescription mouthwashes or a special toothbrush.
If none of these approaches work, your dentist might suggest surgery.
Are you looking to receive periodontal care in NW Calgary? At Sunnyside, we’re here to aid you on your dental journey and help you get back to having the smile you deserve. Our staff is ready and willing to address any questions and concerns about the process. Call or visit our website to book a consultation whenever it works best with your schedule.
