If you have pain, soreness, sensitivity or inflammation in your gums, you may have some form of gum disease. The good news is that there are treatments available to repair the affects of gum disease. Gum disease is most commonly caused by plaque and tartar build-up. However, there are other factors that may put you at risk for gum disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is to have a dental check-up and cleaning every six months. Whether you are trying to avoid gum disease, or you need comprehensive treatment for your gum disease, the dentists at Torbram Dental can help you. Make an appointment with Torbram Dental today. Torbram Dental is conveniently located in Brampton, ON, with appointments available for patients in nearby Mississauga, Georgetown and Woodbridge.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
- Smoking- will dramatically increase your chances of developing gum disease and can lower the chances for successful treatment.
- Hormonal Changes-in girls and women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
- Diabetes– people with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
- Pre-Existing Illnesses– diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can negatively affect the health of gums.
- Medication– some prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease.
- Genetics- some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.
- Age and Sex– men are more likely to have gum disease than women. People don’t usually develop gum disease until their 30s and 40s.
Stages of Gum Disease
The longer plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums called gingivitis. With gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings. When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. With periodontitis, your gums pull away from your teeth and form spaces that become infected. If this condition goes untreated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth will be destroyed. These teeth may become loose and need to be removed.
Gum Disease Treatment in Brampton, Ontario, CA
Restorative treatment options for gum disease may include:
- Flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket
- Tissue grafts where the dentist performs procedures to help regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis
- Bone grafting where natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss to promote bone growth
Whether you are trying to prevent gum disease, suspect that you have the early stages of gum disease, or are already in the advanced stages of gum disease, make an appointment with Torbram Dental today to discuss your treatment options. Torbram Dental proudly serves patients throughout Brampton, ON, and nearby Mississauga, Georgetown and Woodbridge.