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Adults lose more teeth to gum disease than any other reason. During your lifetime, you could be one of the nine out of 10 people worldwide who suffer from this disease.
Periodontal or gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and jaw bone and, in the early, stages, is symptomless. However, some early signs are swollen and tender gums, bad breath, and gums that bleed during flossing and brushing. Although the accumulation of excessive amounts of plaque is the primary cause of gum disease, some people may be genetically pre-disposed. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated at all stages.
Gum disease can be prevented. Visit your dentist regularly and brush and floss your teeth to remove plaque. If it is not removed, bacterial plaque will affect your gums causing inflammation which may lead to bleeding or bone loss. This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Plaque that is not removed may cause your gum tissue to recede, pockets may develop between the gums and teeth and the tissue that attaches the tooth to the jaw may be weakened.
Courtesy of the Ontario Dental Association
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Heavy calculus buildup due to oral hygiene neglect |
Staining on teeth as a result of red wine and coffee |
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Before: heavy calculus and staining on teeth |
After: same teeth after scaling and polishing |
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We believe the best dentistry is the least amount of treatment necessary to achieve optimum oral and dental health.