PERIODONTAL (GUMS) DENTISTRY
Understanding gum disease is the first step in TREATING AND preventing it.
Gum disease 101
Chronic bad breath, puffy red gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, receding gums and loose teeth are all symptoms of periodontal disease. While there are a number of causes of gum recession, the most common cause by far is periodontal disease.
Often these signs and symptoms can be painless which can lead to both a lack of awareness and urgency in address the problem in time.
If left untreated, a number of issues can arise including tooth loss, tooth decay and other serious oral health problems. Advanced periodontal disease has also been linked to a number of systemic conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How is it Treated?
The first step in treating this condition is to address its cause. In instances of gum disease, the patient may undergo a deep cleaning — known as scaling and root planing — to clean the teeth and heal any inflammation in the gums.
In severe cases, gum recession may expose tooth roots, requiring such procedures as a pocket depth reduction (in which the periodontist folds gum tissue back over the tooth root after removing bacteria from the space created between the tooth and the gum) or gum graft surgery, in which new gum tissue is regenerated using healthy tissue from elsewhere in the mouth.
How Can I Prevent It?
A good oral care regimen, including daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning is the best method of preventing gum disease.
When it comes to foods to avoid, there is an obvious reason to keep away from sugary foods and drinks. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates can create acidic environments in the mouth. The bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease thrive in these kinds of environments, feeding off of the sugar that lingers from the food we eat.
How Important is Flossing?
Short Answer: Very
Long Answer: There is the old adage that says, ‘only floss the teeth you want to keep.’ To avoid gum disease, the spaces between the teeth need to be kept clean. There are a number of methods and devices that enable a person to clean the spaces between the teeth. Using a floss holder, interdental brush, or electronic device after eating and drinking can help remove food particles and plaque from spaces that brushing cannot reach.
Waxed floss typically glides more easily between the teeth, especially teeth that are close together. While unwaxed floss has no coating, some find that its thinness allows it to get between teeth more easily. The important thing to remember is that regardless of which type of floss you use, you should use it every day because floss can reach approximately 35% of the accessible surface area of a tooth.
Does Tongue-Scraping Help?
Tongue scraping can be helpful in removing some of the bacteria, but the most effective way to remove bacteria is brushing twice daily and flossing regularly.
Is There One Thing I Should Add to My Daily Regimen?
In short, yes. An anti-bacterial Mouthwash such as Listerine Zero. Since brushing and flossing cover only 24% of the oral tissues, bacteria can still live on the tongue. cheeks and other areas of the mouth.
Can I Cure It Myself?
As is the case with any disease, there are any number of so-called “cures” that arise. There is very little evidence to support the effectiveness of any treatment outside professional intervention. Dentists are trained to recognize and treat problems of the entire mouth – the diagnosis and treatment of any oral imbalance or disease is a complex, multi-sytem process.
Gum disease is treatable, mostly preventable and, in some cases, reversible.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, call us as soon as possible. A good oral care regimen, including daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning is the best method of preventing gum disease!
How is it Treated?
The first step in treating this condition is to address its cause. In instances of gum disease, the patient may undergo a deep cleaning — known as scaling and root planing — to clean the teeth and heal any inflammation in the gums.
In severe cases, gum recession may expose tooth roots, requiring such procedures as a pocket depth reduction (in which the periodontist folds gum tissue back over the tooth root after removing bacteria from the space created between the tooth and the gum) or gum graft surgery, in which new gum tissue is regenerated using healthy tissue from elsewhere in the mouth.
How Can I Prevent It?
A good oral care regimen, including daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning is the best method of preventing gum disease.
When it comes to foods to avoid, there is an obvious reason to keep away from sugary foods and drinks. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates can create acidic environments in the mouth. The bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease thrive in these kinds of environments, feeding off of the sugar that lingers from the food we eat.
How Important is Flossing?
Short Answer: Very
Long Answer: There is the old adage that says, ‘only floss the teeth you want to keep.’ To avoid gum disease, the spaces between the teeth need to be kept clean. There are a number of methods and devices that enable a person to clean the spaces between the teeth. Using a floss holder, interdental brush, or electronic device after eating and drinking can help remove food particles and plaque from spaces that brushing cannot reach.
Waxed floss typically glides more easily between the teeth, especially teeth that are close together. While unwaxed floss has no coating, some find that its thinness allows it to get between teeth more easily. The important thing to remember is that regardless of which type of floss you use, you should use it every day because floss can reach approximately 35% of the accessible surface area of a tooth.
Does Tongue-Scraping Help?
Tongue scraping can be helpful in removing some of the bacteria, but the most effective way to remove bacteria is brushing twice daily and flossing regularly.
Is There One Thing I Should Add to My Daily Regimen?
In short, yes. An anti-bacterial Mouthwash such as Listerine Zero. Since brushing and flossing cover only 24% of the oral tissues, bacteria can still live on the tongue. cheeks and other areas of the mouth.
Can I Cure It Myself?
As is the case with any disease, there are any number of so-called “cures” that arise. There is very little evidence to support the effectiveness of any treatment outside professional intervention. Dentists are trained to recognize and treat problems of the entire mouth – the diagnosis and treatment of any oral imbalance or disease is a complex, multi-sytem process.
Gum disease is treatable, mostly preventable and, in some cases, reversible.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, call us as soon as possible. A good oral care regimen, including daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning is the best method of preventing gum disease!
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Friedman
30 St. Clair Avenue West
Suite 102
Toronto , M4V 3A1
416-482-9100
Office Hours
Fridays by Appointment
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Friedman
30 St. Clair Avenue West
Suite 102
Toronto , M4V 3A1
416-482-9100
OFFICE HOURS
Fridays by Appointment