Periodontal Disease

Symptoms and Prevention

Do you ever experience sore, swollen or bleeding gums? Perhaps you are expecting these symptoms to be temporary and waiting for them to pass. Often overlooked, gum issues may point to a serious oral health issue or even gum disease. When a person has gum disease and the teeth come in contact with hot, cold, acidic, sticky or sweet foods, sensitivity and discomfort arise.

Periodontal disease, a condition that affects the gums, bone, and surrounding structure of the teeth is a common disease that affects humans. Gingivitis, the most common type of periodontal disease causes bleeding and reddening of the gums. This causes damage to both the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth.

Preventing and Avoiding Gum Discomfort

As most of us are aware, brushing plays a big role in oral health. How the brushing is done though, can affect the health of your gums. It is important to follow proper gum care tips to ensure the health of your gums. Soft bristle toothbrushes are best to brush your gums and can help avoid damaging delicate tissues. Brush in circular motions in an upward and downward motion to clean the teeth and gums.

Flossing is key to removing plaque and debris between the teeth. When flossing be sure to slide the floss gently between teeth rather than jab, this will prevent swelling and damage, keeping the gums healthy and clean. Consuming balanced meals and staying hydrated will decrease your risk of periodontal disease and promotes healthy gum health. Following these gum care tips, booking regular checkups at one of our Winnipeg dental clinics is fundamental in maintaining good oral health.

Signs of Gum Issues

1. Bright red or purple coloured gums.
2. Itching sensation.
3. Swelling, bleeding, tenderness or pain in the gums.
4. Receding gums (pulling away from the teeth).
5. Tooth sensitivity
6. Loose teeth, shifts or spaces.
7. Pus between gums and teeth.
8. Consistent bad breath or bad taste.
9. A change in the bite.

Treatment

Without proper treatment, gum disease can result in tooth loss. Furthermore, the periodontal disease caused by bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing additional issues throughout the body.

Early detection is critical in treating periodontal disease and is a major factor in successful treatment. Treatments for gum disease are as follows, antibiotics, surgery and scaling to remove bacteria and tartar. Root planing is another form of treatment that smooths out the root surface to discourage the further buildup of tartar and bacteria. Speak with your Winnipeg dentist immediately if you begin to shadow any symptoms of periodontal disease.