Are You Suffering From This Common Dental Disease?

When most patients visit the dentist their main concerns are typically the state of their teeth and if their teeth are experiencing any decay. While caring about the health of your teeth is wonderful, there is another part of the mouth that can also become extremely damaged and need extensive treatment — your gums. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when the gums become irritated and infected. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe complications with your oral health such as tooth loss. It can also lead to serious issues with your overall health as well. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to inflammation issues that can cause lasting damage to the body. Periodontal disease has been associated with overall health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and can lead to pregnancy complications.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

While there can be many causes of periodontal disease, the leading cause is lack of oral care. This includes routine oral care you perform daily on your teeth and mouth as well as routine hygiene examinations in our office. Brushing for two minutes twice daily as well as flossing daily is recommended. Periodontal disease is also more common in patients who smoke and those with a family history of periodontal disease. Patients should visit our office for a hygiene examination and cleaning every six months, unless it was recommended to visit sooner. Early detection is key in treating periodontal disease.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

Unfortunately, periodontal disease can be difficult to detect on your own because the signs and symptoms are not always obvious, such as with discomfort experienced with tooth decay. There is typically no discomfort in the early stages of the disease, and for many patients, detection comes only once the disease is already developed. There are warning signs you can be mindful of between visits to our office:

• Swollen or irritated gums
• Gums that are excessively red
• Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
• Unexplained bad breath
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
• Loose or sensitive teeth

If you are located in the Newmarket, Ontario area and are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above or if you have not visited our office in the past 6 months for a hygiene examination, call to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you soon!