Promoting Periodontal Health
At Brantford North Dental, we consider one of our most important jobs as dental health professionals to be helping our patients avoid or recover from periodontal disease and enabling them to achieve and maintain healthy gums.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Also called gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can cause them to bleed or become sore and swollen. Not only can it be uncomfortable and painful, but it can lead to the loss the bone that supports teeth which can in turn lead to tooth loss. People of all ages can have periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
The mildest type of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis makes gums red and swollen and often they will bleed when brushed. Fortunately, gingivitis can often be reversed, sometimes only with bette oral care at home and additional professional dental cleanings.
Periodontitis
The more advanced form of periodontal disease is called periodontitis. It causes more severe swelling and redness of the gums and when more severe, can cause the tissue and bones the hold teeth in place to break down.
Since anyone can have periodontal disease without pain, bleeding or other symptoms, it is important to visit your dentist regularly. Early defection by your dentist will allow periodontal disease to be detected and treated in their early stages before they have a chance to get worse.
What causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease.
Health gum tissue hugs teeth highly. However, when gums are swollen and irritated, they can pull away from teeth and form spaces called pockets. These pockets collect more plaque bacteria and become infected. If these infected pockets go untreated, the disease gets worse and gone and other tissues that support the teeth can become damaged. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to be removed. Patients can remove plaque themselves with regular brushing, flossing and proper oral care at home. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy helps prevent gum disease which in turn helps prevent tooth loss.
If plaque stays on your teeth, in hardens into a rough substance called tartar. Tartar can trap plaque along and under the gum line, which can increase your chances of developing gum disease. Tartar can only be removed when teeth are cleaned by a dental professional.
