Many adult Canadians have mild to moderate signs of periodontal (gum) disease and are not aware they have a problem. Bleeding or tenderness of the gums while flossing is not normal and can be corrected.

Whether you have no teeth, all natural teeth, or restorations, such as crowns, bridges or dentures, it remains important to maintain regular dental care and check ups throughout your lifetime. Children can begin seeing the dentist with their parents during infancy and carry on into their senior years. It is never too early or too late to protect your oral health with regular dental check ups.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, refers to a bacterial infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that support and anchor the teeth in your jaw. We all have bacteria in our mouths, even right after we brush our teeth! The presence of bacteria themselves is not a problem unless they are left, undisturbed by daily hygiene, to feed and colonize on plaque residue that builds up on the hard to reach surfaces of teeth. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease and, if left untreated, can begin to irritate and erode healthy gum tissue. When inflamed, gums may form pockets around teeth collecting bacteria and food residue that can erode the supporting tissues over time. The breakdown of supporting tissues and bone results in the advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis.

Gum disease is often painless in its early stages and goes unnoticed until infection advances and pain ensues.  Prevent advanced gum disease by knowing what symptoms to look for during your daily hygiene practice, in between dental check ups. If you notice any of the following symptoms, visit us for a consultation and treatment:

• Inflamed gums may be red, swollen or painful
• Bleeding gums when you floss or brush
• Painful or loose teeth
• Gaps between your teeth and gums
• Chronic bad breath

All dental services provided by a general dentist.

Regular brushing and flossing two to three times a day is ideal.  Teach your children how to properly brush and floss; develop good dental hygiene habits to last a lifetime. Using a soft bristled brush, hold your brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum and gently clean where the gums meet your teeth.  Flossing between your teeth at least once a day helps remove bacteria and food residue that your brush cannot get. Eat a balanced, low sugar diet which includes a variety of crunchy fruits and vegetables that can help scrape your tooth surfaces in between brushings.  Visit Groove Dental Clinic regularly with the whole family for checkups and professional cleanings as recommended by your dentist. Regular checkups and cleanings go hand-in-hand toward maintaining good oral health. 

If you think you may have periodontal disease come see us in Edmonton and we will take care of you. In its early stages, the treatment for gum disease involves scaling your teeth to remove the plaque and tartar and completing a comprehensive individual assessment. In most cases, that is all that is required to stop the advancement of periodontal disease.  If the disease is not detected until its more advanced stages, or, if the gum disease progresses in spite of the above efforts, you may need to see a periodontist.  Don’t wait until it hurts, periodontal disease is preventable with regular checkups.  Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth, come see us for more information and to get started on that healthy happy smile!