How to Reverse the Progression of Gum Disease
Posted on June 21, 2023
According to the Canadian Dental Association, gum disease is so prevalent that seven out of ten Canadians will suffer from it at some point. What may start as swollen, tender, red gums, gingivitis can quickly advance, becoming periodontal or gum disease which, over time without intervention from a skilled and experienced periodontist near you, can lead to tooth loss. If you are looking for a periodontist in Oshawa, reach out to The Perio Centre. Dr. Adam Ohayon and the skilled team of medical professionals can help alleviate your mouth of gum disease with cutting-edge technology to perform gum grafting or dental implants.
Read on to learn more about gum disease.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease often forms over a period of time, ranging from weeks to months. If you already experience gingivitis, the infection can worsen within days. Many factors can cause the formation of this disease. The most prominent cause of gum disease is plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a film that forms on your teeth, made of bacteria. It's normal to produce plaque; however, failure to remove it daily can lead to buildup, opening the door to all kinds of infections and diseases.
Other factors may be:
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Stress
- Plaque causing gingivitis
It's essential to see your dentist regularly, check on your teeth' health, and catch any problems early.
What are Gum Recession and its risks?
Contrary to popular belief, gum recession is not standard with aging. Instead, gum recession is a sign of severe oral health concerns. Gum recession is the loss of gum around the teeth, causing exposure to the tooth's root.
If not treated, the following can be experienced:
- Pain around the gums
- Sensitivity to hard, cold or hot foods
- Sensitivity when brushing
- Mobility of the tooth
Gum recession can also cause the formation of gaps between the tooth and the gum line, leaving room for food, plaque, or bacteria to get trapped. This can lead to infection.
How Gum Grafting Treats Receding Gum Lines
Here at The Perio Centre, we have different ways to treat gum recession, including gum grafting, where we take tissue from another part of your mouth or an approved tissue donor to restore the gum line. Gums are meant to protect your tooth and ensure longevity. This treatment targets receding gums and prevents the teeth from root infections, saving you pain and discomfort. Restoring the appearance of your teeth to get you smiling again.
Other Gum Recession Treatments
If you aren't gravitating toward gum grafting, don't worry. There are plenty of ways to fix your gum recession.
Gum advancement: Though this method doesn't help to strengthen your gums, it will cover up the tooth to hide the root and prevent sensitivity. This will help make eating and life a lot more enjoyable. This is typically the method of choice when gum recession is caught early.
Gum reconstruction: similar to gum grafting, we take skin from the roof of the mouth. However, this time, the skin is placed to compensate for the bone loss or gum tissue, reconstructing the gum.
Leading Periodontists in Oshawa at The Perio Centre
Contact Dr. Adam Ohayon and his team to book a consultation today if you are experiencing any oral pain. With leading technology and over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on ensuring our patients leave with beautiful smiles.