Gum disease, called gingivitis and periodontitis, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gum and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal problems can cause a range of symptoms including bad breath, an unpleasant metallic taste, bleeding gums and eventually tooth loss.
Who Can Develop Gum Disease?
Anyone can develop gum disease and at any age, although it tends to mainly affect adults. It normally develops as a result of poor oral hygiene, but some people with diseases affecting their immune system (such as diabetes) may be more at risk.
Why are Regular Checkups Important?
Our Vancouver dentist will carefully check the condition of your gums during every dental exam to determine if you have any signs of this disease. At Vancity Dental, we believe in the importance of regular dental hygiene maintenance therapy in achieving long-lasting dental health.
Having your teeth scaled and polished will greatly help to reduce your risk of gum disease through removing calculus from your teeth
How Can Dental Hygiene Appointments Help?
Most people will need to have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months and it is a good idea to book an appointment at the same time as your checkup. Having your teeth scaled and polished will greatly help to reduce your risk of gum disease through removing calculus from your teeth. Calculus is hardened plaque, a substance containing the bacteria that cause this disease. By removing calculus, your gums have a much better chance of staying strong and healthy and free from disease.
Get Useful Advice on How to Improve Your Oral Care Routine
At the same time, we can give you useful information and advice about how to improve your oral care routine at home. After examining your teeth and gums, we will be able to identify any areas being missed during your regular brushing and flossing routine. We can work with you by showing you new methods and techniques so you can brush and floss more effectively.
What If I Already Have Periodontal Disease?
If you already have signs of gum disease, then we can work out a suitable treatment program. Often the early signs of gum disease, a condition called gingivitis, can be easily treated through professionally cleaning your teeth and by improving your oral care routine.
More advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, may require more intensive treatment through deep cleaning your gums with a procedure called scaling and root planing. At Vancity Dental, we will work with you to make sure you receive the most appropriate treatment to restore gum health and hopefully prevent tooth loss.
What are Gum Grafts?
Gum grafting can become necessary when a patient experiences gingival recession. This is when there is pulling back of tissues surrounding a tooth, which exposes more of the tooth and its root structure. This is generally caused by periodontal disease, toothbrush abrasion and trauma. When recession occurs, the body loses a natural defence against both bacteria and trauma. When needed, the doctors at BC Perio Dental Health and Implant Centre are specifically trained to treat recession with various forms of gum grafting procedures. Gum graft procedures are highly predictable and result in stable, health, attached tissues around teeth.