Worried about your gums? Don’t despair! FAQs about preventing disease, protecting gum health
Are you 30 or older? If you answered “yes,” you likely have signs of early-stage gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Around half of all adults aged 30 and up have gum disease in some form. The incidence of disease only increases with age. But don’t despair! When detected and addressed early, your dentist at Scott and Derry Dental Care, Dr. Jameela Jifri, can reverse the damage and stop progressive gum disease in its tracks. Our Milton, Ontario team is happy to share how preventable and treatable this condition can be by answering your questions about damage to the gums that “frame” and stabilize our teeth.
What does gum disease look like?
Healthy gums are typically light pink or pink-red. When gums become damaged by inflammation or infection, they may look redder or darker than usual. They can also appear puffy. Damaged gums feel different, too. They may be sensitive when you touch them or hurt when a brush comes in contact with them or when flossing. Symptoms vary depending on the extent of damage or how far the disease has progressed.
How does gum disease progress?
There are three main stages, from least to most severe: Gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. As bacteria spreads throughout the mouth without treatment, what started as reversible gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Eventually, the supportive bone may be lost. And when bone is lost, it is gone for good unless steps are taken to restore it with periodontal therapies.
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What are the common symptoms of each stage?
Patients with gingivitis might notice blood on their toothbrush or floss. Their gums may be super-sensitive and look inflamed. In the next stage, periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth. This “gum recession” can result in a “long in the tooth” appearance to the smile because more of the surface of each tooth is exposed. Also, spaces begin to form between the teeth and gums as the tissue pulls away. These spaces are the perfect breeding ground for infection-causing bacteria. The most severe form of gum disease, advanced periodontitis, is characterized by bone, gums, and connective tissue breakdown. As these supportive attachments are lost, teeth may loosen in their sockets and shift.
What should I do if I’m worried about changes to my gums?
Contact Scott and Derry Dental Care right away. Contact us even if you don’t notice any changes and are due for a recall visit because early gum disease is often silent – it doesn’t cause any highly noticeable changes. When caught and treated early enough, a good cleaning at our office and changes to cleaning techniques at home may do just the trick to restore your healthy gums. Dr. Jifri may recommend interventions like scaling and root planing (SRP) and antibiotic therapy for more advanced diseases. So, don’t “sit” on your symptoms or go too long without an exam and professional cleaning. Call our Milton, ON team today at (855) 438-4999.
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