Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal therapy is the treatment and prevention of gum disease. Healthy teeth need healthy gums, and if left untreated gum disease can cause the loss of our teeth. With proper treatment and care, our teeth should last our entire lifetime. Our in-house hygienists, share a special interest in periodontal treatment and oral hygiene.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Gum disease is a threat to your oral health and research is also pointing to possible health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Whether it is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, as well as other factors such as your diet, lifestyle and genetics.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colourless “plaque” on teeth. Daily brushing and flossing help remove plaque, but if missed, can harden and form bacteria-harbouring “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar, so it is essential to maintain regular hygiene visits to detect and remove plaque and tartar. 

Gingivitis

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular deep cleaning by our hygienist . This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” or inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Risk Factors

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. In addition, smoking can lower the chances of success of some dental treatments and impacts healing. Hormonal imbalance, cancer and compromised immune diseases, diabetes, stress, medications such as anti-depressants and heart medications that reduce saliva flow can put your dental health at risk. Although people usually do not display signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s, men are more likely to have periodontal disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease Include:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth

Orthodontic Patients

It is essential that orthodontic patients maintain regular hygiene visits every three months, especially those who are wearing retainers, braces or removable appliances. Appliances and braces can not only prevent saliva from cleaning your teeth, but staining and decalcification can occur around the brackets and can lead to more serious issues if regular deep-cleaning does not occur.