Gum Disease

Gum Disease in North York, ON

Gum disease is inflammation or infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. In its mildest form, “gingivitis” is inflammation of the gums in the mouth. Gingivitis can be mild, moderate, or severe. A hallmark of gingivitis is gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.

“Periodontitis” is a more serious condition that causes the bone and sometimes the gums to shrink away. Uncontrolled periodontitis results in increasing tooth mobility and loss of teeth.

Think of it like this: Imagine that a tooth is a pole stuck in the ground. The ground is the bone holding the tooth in place. If the ground starts to disappear around the pole, eventually the pole will get loose and may fall out of the ground completely.

Gum Disease Causes

Many factors increase a person’s risk of developing periodontal disease:

  • Family history and genetic factors
  • Smoking
  • Certain illnesses, such as diabetes
  • Certain medications
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Hormonal changes
  • Poor nutrition

Of these, the most common cause of gum disease is lack of good home oral hygiene. If dental plaque bacteria are not removed thoroughly by brushing and flossing twice daily, these bacteria can start the inflammation that causes gum disease. If the plaque bacteria calcify from the minerals in the saliva, this substance is then called “calculus” or “tartar.” Calculus is stuck on the teeth and cannot be removed at home. It must be scraped, or scaled off the teeth during a dental cleaning at our North York, ON dental office. Calculus, even though it is hard, contains living bacteria that release toxins that attack the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place.

The goal at home is to remove the soft dental plaque thoroughly twice daily so that it does not have the opportunity to calcify onto the teeth as calculus.

Gum Disease Management

Gingivitis and periodontitis can be improved via proper oral hygiene techniques such as brushing with a rechargeable electric toothbrush twice daily for two to three minutes, and flossing or using a recommended interdental cleaning tool once or twice daily. This is very important in order to remove dental plaque and prevent calculus (tartar) buildup.

It is very important to have regular dental cleanings at Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry in order to remove any calculus (tartar) buildup. Some people will require dental cleaning every three months until the gum disease is better controlled.

Cessation of smoking and control of blood sugar levels for diabetics are also important.

In some more involved cases, Dr. Shiewitz will refer a patient to a periodontist, a specialist who treats more complicated gum disease. A periodontist may suggest other non-surgical or surgical interventions in order to get gum disease under control.

Do you have swollen or bleeding gums? Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry offers gum disease treatment and proper oral hygiene instruction to help restore the health of your smile. Call our North York, ON dental office today at (416) 223-4181 to schedule an appointment!

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

WINTER HOURS (October to April)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed

SUMMER HOURS (April to October)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed