Nanaimo Smiles dental clinic provides periodontal services to help keep your gums healthy, preventing and treating gum infections and disease.
Most of our patients at Nanaimo Smiles are aware of plaque; they know that it’s the sticky film of bacteria that makes their teeth feel like it’s time for a brush! But what our hygienists and dentists often notice is that many patients don’t realize just how much of an impact plaque can have on their teeth in the long-run—and what it’s capable of if left untreated.
Unsuspecting plaque can turn into more significant issues that could lead to periodontal (gum) disease. And with a surprisingly high prevalence in Canada, gum disease is something our dental professionals at Nanaimo Smiles wish everyone would take more seriously. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), about 70 percent of adults experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime! Here, we’ll help you get the facts so you can take care of your gums and prevent gum disease.
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, you might notice your gums becoming red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, especially when you brush. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form where the inflammation reaches deeper into the supporting structures of your teeth. This can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. Gum disease is often painless at first, meaning many people don’t realize they have it until it becomes more serious.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops in stages, which is why it’s so important to schedule your Nanaimo dental check-ups at Nanaimo Smiles every six months. This way, your Nanaimo dental hygienist and dentist can determine the signs of gum disease very early on before they progress to a more challenging stage to treat. Understanding which stage of gum disease you’re experiencing is the first step in determining the right dental treatment plan for you. The following is how gum disease develops.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and it’s actually quite common. It usually happens when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth. At this point, your gums might look red and swollen, and you might notice they bleed when you brush or floss. The good news is that gingivitis is often painless and can be reversed easily with better brushing, flossing, and a visit to Nanaimo Smiles for your dental check-up. It really represents a wake-up call for your oral health.
Early Periodontitis
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can develop into early periodontitis. This stage means the inflammation has spread deeper, affecting the tissues and bone that support your teeth. You might start to notice more bleeding, bad breath, and even some sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Your gums may also begin to pull away from your teeth, creating little pockets where bacteria can thrive. While it’s more serious than gingivitis, it can still be managed with professional cleanings and improved at-home habits for healthy dental hygiene.
Moderate Periodontitis
At this stage, moderate periodontitis kicks in. The symptoms become more obvious: your gums may recede further, exposing more of your tooth roots, which can lead to discomfort and increased sensitivity. You might feel that your teeth are loose or shifting. The pockets between your gums and teeth can deepen, and bone loss starts to become more significant. This stage definitely requires a trip to your Nanaimo dentist for more intensive treatments, like scaling and root planing, to clean out those deeper pockets.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease. At this point, you could experience significant gum recession, persistent pain, and noticeable tooth mobility. The bone that supports your teeth may have deteriorated enough that some teeth might feel loose. You might also have deeper pockets filled with bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Treatments for advanced periodontitis typically involve surgical options to help restore some of the lost structures.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease usually starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, this plaque can harden into tartar, which irritates gums and leads to inflammation. While poor oral hygiene is a major cause, there are several other factors at play. For instance, smoking or using tobacco can weaken gum tissue, and hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can make gums more sensitive. Certain health conditions, like diabetes, can also make it more challenging for your body to heal, while some medications can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of gum problems. Plus, genetics can play a role, because some people are more prone to gum disease regardless of how well they care for their teeth.
Gum Disease Treatment in Nanaimo, BC
At Nanaimo Smiles, we help you manage gum disease with the least-invasive methods possible. Regular check-ups allow us to keep an eye on your oral health and catch any issues early on. For conditions like gingivitis and the early stages of gum disease, we use non-surgical treatments such as professional cleanings includingscaling and root planing. This process involves cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the roots, which helps your gums reattach to your teeth naturally. If gum disease has progressed more seriously, we may refer you to a periodontist for additional options like flap surgery or grafts. After your initial consultation and a thorough examination, we’ll go over your treatment choices together, so you can feel confident making the best decision for your oral health.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
First and foremost, preventing gum disease starts with good oral hygiene. At Nanaimo Smiles, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, making sure to spend a couple of minutes on each brushing session and paying special attention to the gum line. Don’t forget to floss daily to get rid of plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gums, where your toothbrush can’t reach. An antibacterial mouthwash can also be a great addition to your routine to help keep plaque and gingivitis at bay.
Regular visits to your Nanaimo dentist are so important for maintaining your gum health. We recommend scheduling dental check-ups at least twice a year for professional cleanings and examinations. These visits allow us to spot early signs of gum disease and provide the care you need.
We also recommend avoiding tobacco products. Smoking and chewing tobacco can really increase your risk of gum disease, and quitting can make a big difference in your oral health. Staying hydrated is key, too—drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and help wash away food particles and bacteria. A well-hydrated mouth produces saliva, which is vital for neutralizing acids that bacteria produce.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Prevention in Nanaimo
With gum disease affecting so many Canadians, at Nanaimo Smiles, we aim to keep you informed so you can avoid this progressive disease. With proper at-home dental habits and regular appointments with your Nanaimo dentist, you can prevent plaque build-up that could potentially turn into a more significant issue like gum disease. Assess your risk for gum disease by contacting Nanaimo Smiles to book your dental check-up.