Gum Disease & Gum Care: Information, Prevention & Care

If you experience gum disease and other similar oral health concerns it can affect your overall health. Our Whitecourt dentists discuss gum disease and explain how to prevent periodontitis as well as offer gum care treatment options.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum (periodontal) disease is caused by plaque – bacteria that builds up on your teeth and creates toxins. These toxins affect the gum tissue and bones surrounding the teeth.

Though it may be painless at first and grow slowly, gum disease can have serious consequences. Not only could you lose your teeth, but because gum health interconnects with many other aspects of oral and physical health, this infection can put you at risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. This is why it is essential that we do not allow it to progress to the more serious stages.

What Are The Different Types of Gum Disease?

The two types of gum disease include:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease. At this point, gums may become sensitive, red, and swollen, and you may spot blood in your toothbrush or when you floss.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the more serious form of gum disease. At this stage, your gums recede and bacteria eventually fill pockets between gums and teeth. Light to moderate bone loss in the jaw can also happen.

Advanced Periodontitis

Teeth lose support as your gums, bone, and periodontal ligament break down. Moderate to severe bone loss in your jaw may occur, and your teeth can become loose or fall out.

How to Maintain & Improve Gum Health

Though gum disease has scary outcomes, most cases are preventable with good oral hygiene and regular checkups. Here’s what you can do at home and how your dentist can help:

At Home Gum Care

• Brush at least twice daily
• Floss once per day
• Rinse thoroughly with an alcohol-free anti-gingivitis mouthwash
• See your dentist regularly and let them know about any changes, gum sensitivity or soreness

How Your Dentist Can Help Care For Your Gums

Your dentist provides professional cleanings and tracks your oral health so any problems can be spotted early.

They’ll ask if you’ve noticed any changes or sensitivity in your gums, whether you’ve been following your regular oral care routine, and whether can answer questions about oral hygiene and care.

Treatment Options For Gum Disease

At Valley Centre Dental Clinic, we offer a variety of options to help you maintain healthy gums, and prevent and treat gum disease:

Preventive Hygiene

To treat early-stage gum disease, we recommend frequent hygiene appointments, deep cleanings and specialized home care routines.

Gum Graft Surgery

This surgical procedure thickens gums, protects against the damaging effects of gum recession and can help improve the appearance of your smile.

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Surgery

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a scalpel-free, suture-free option for treating gum recession. A dentist uses a needle to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue, through which they use special instruments to gently loosen the gum tissue. The gumline is gently adjusted to cover the exposed root structure.

Teeth & Gum Contouring

These cosmetic procedures can help improve your smile’s overall aesthetics. Teeth contouring involves using a dental drill to shave away excess tooth material and reshaping chipped, uneven or poorly aligned teeth, while excess gum tissue is removed to contour or lift gums.

Have you noticed that your gums are sore or swollen? Contact our Whitecourt dentists to book a visit with our dentists today.