According to the Canadian Dental Association, gum disease develops in 70% of Canadians at different points in their lives in Canada. Periodontal disease—more commonly known as gum disease—is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in today’s society. It’s an infection of the mouth that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. If this periodontal/gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
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Gum Disease: Your Overall Health
Gum disease can affect the health of one’s mouth and the whole body. There are stages of gum disease that range from mildly worrying to the extreme. Unfortunately, many people are inclined to ignore the early stages of gum disease and skip visiting their dentists allowing the disease to progress unchecked.
Like so many of our oral health issues, periodontal disease begins with plaque, the sticky stuff that accumulates on our teeth between brushings. There are plenty of bacteria in plaque, and although they can cause tooth decay, they also cause infection of the gums. Later, that infection spreads to the bone beneath your teeth.
Each stage of gum disease has its own name, and the term we use to describe periodontal disease depends on the stage to which the disease has progressed. These are, therefore, not separate ailments. Instead, they represent a single ailment that has become progressively worse.
Gum Disease: Video Tutorial
Aside from the traditionally discussed dental complications of gum recession, tooth root decay, tooth loss, bite collapse, and bad breath, there are now well-documented medical complications of periodontal disease, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Gingivitis:
Stop Gum Disease in its Tracks and Reverse the Damage
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, and it is the one we see most often. At this stage, the infection is causing inflammation. People notice that their gums are inclined to bleed after brushing and flossing, and they experience some tenderness, but not a great deal of discomfort. This is the time when the infection can not only be checked, but the damage reversed. Unfortunately, because gingivitis is so common, a lot of people think they can ignore it, and this leaves them open to progression to the next stage of gum disease.
Periodontitis:
Irreversible Damage, but You Can Still Prevent It from Going Further
By the time that gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, there is already damage to the bone and connective tissue that keeps your teeth in place. Meanwhile, the gums may have become so badly infected that they recede and form pockets underneath the teeth.
When you eat, food not only gets trapped between your teeth but also under them. You can’t remove the plaque that gathers here, so the process begins to accelerate towards the final stage of gum disease. At this point, your dentist can still stop the infection from going further and can halt the progression of gum disease.
Advanced Periodontitis:
You May Lose Teeth
If you didn’t think there was much wrong before, you know you’re in deep trouble now. After all, your teeth shouldn’t be loose unless you’re six years old and switching your milk teeth for the permanent set. By now, your teeth have lost their supporting structures and even very intense dental treatment may fail to save them.
Gum Disease Facts
What Should You Do If You Think You May Have Gum Disease?
- Watch out for these warning signs and see your dentist if you have one or more of them:
- Gums look inflamed and feel tender.
- Gums bleed after brushing or flossing.
- Your teeth seem to keep getting longer (your gums are receding).
- You can see pockets between the tooth and gum line.
- You notice a bad taste in your mouth or have bad breath.
Encore Dental Goes Above and Beyond.
At Encore Dental in Port Coquitlam, you will receive the best dental patient experience. We have moved to a new location that offers more availability with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and excellent service. Encore Dental clinic is still the best choice for professional dental cleanings, dental fillings, and check-ups!
COVID Policies:
At Encore Dental, we probably have the highest standards of sterilization and cleanliness of any business, office, or clinic. We recommend that you maintain your regular brushing and flossing regimen. We also recommend that you continue to make healthy diet choices and book your appointment so we can help you maintain good oral health and reduce decay.
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We proudly service patients from Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and other surrounding areas!
Encore Dental Address:
2663 Shaughnessy St.
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C3G7
Call Us: 604-464-4131
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According to our Google reviews, approachability, personalized care, great customer service, implementing the latest technology and materials in dentistry set us apart.
Encore Dental Is The Best Choice for Professional Dental Cleanings, Dental Fillings, and Check-Ups!
Visit Your Local Port Coquitlam Dentist:
