Gum Disease
Barrie, Ontario - Canada
Dr. Adam Chapnick and his entire team at Molson Park Dental Office provide ongoing gum therapy to prevent and treat all stages of gum disease. Your gums are equally as important as your teeth in creating a healthy mouth, and it is our duty to help you identify problem areas and keep you on the right path to dental health.
Stages of Gum Disease
The earlier gum disease is identified, the easier it is to treat. The three stages of gum disease (in order) treated by periodontics are:
- Gingivitis: Plaque builds up at the gum line to cause swollen gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Periodontitis: The gum line begins to move away from the teeth, opening pockets where bacteria can hide.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Your teeth are no longer properly supported by bone and fibers because your gum line has receded to expose your tooth roots.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Your gums should be a light shade of pink and pain-free. Gum disease can change them to:
- Bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
- Become inflamed, bright red or sensitive
- No longer connect to your teeth properly
- Have pustule secretions (a sign of infection)
The bacteria that cause gum disease can have an effect on your teeth, causing them to become loose/fall out or appear longer. Persistent bad breath can also be associated with gum disease. Even your bite can become out of balance, which can lead to painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD).
Researchers are studying a link between gum disease and hardening of the arteries and ultimately heart disease. They think this is due to a build-up of bacteria and toxins that begin to travel to other areas of the body.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Some people are simply born with a propensity toward gum disease. If your family has a history of this condition, your attention to dental hygiene and regular professional cleanings becomes even more important. You do not have to succumb to gum disease.
Certain dental conditions, such as crooked teeth or braces, can make it difficult to properly clean your teeth on a daily basis. If plaque is allowed to build up on your teeth, you are more prone to developing gum disease.
Other factors that can make you more susceptible to gum disease include:
- Weakened immune system
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Bad nutrition
- Diseases, such as diabetes or inflammatory diseases
If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms of gum disease, please contact periodontist Dr. Adam Chapnick at Molson Park Dental Office immediately to schedule an appointment to begin treatment at our Barrie, location.
