Four Key Signs It’s Time to See Our Periodontist in North York

Are your gums in need of professional care?

Periodontics is the aspect of dentistry that deals with the gums and bone that surround the teeth. Every smile should have a solid foundation of healthy gums and strong bone to support the teeth - and this requires keeping the gums free of disease through daily at-home cleaning efforts.

If a patient is suffering from periodontal disease that goes untreated for long enough, it can eventually lead to loose teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss. That’s why it’s important to know how to recognize when your gums are in an unhealthy state, so you can get back on the right track before irreversible damage starts to occur.

Depending on the level of gum disease present (reversible gingivitis vs. the more advanced periodontitis), your gums may only require a deep cleaning, or may require a more extensive procedure like gum grafting/ restoration.

Here are some symptoms to look out for that should tell you it’s time to schedule a professional treatment with our periodontist in North York:

• Swollen, puffy or bleeding gums: The most common sign of gum infection, get to a professional ASAP if you notice that your gums are swollen/puffy or bleed with brushing or eating regular foods.
• Bad breath: A continuous bad breath (halitosis) problem despite oral hygiene efforts can also be a key sign of periodontal disease.
• Receding gums: Periodontal disease commonly leads to gum recession, where the gums pull back away from the teeth and expose some of the tooth’s sensitive root. That’s why a longer-looking tooth, in addition to potential tooth sensitivity can be a key indicator of gum disease.
• Loose teeth: When enough gum and/or bone loss occurs due to gum disease, the teeth will become looser due to the lack of foundational support.

But the good news is, it’s easy and simple to prevent gum disease from occurring in the first place. Here are three simple ways that you can ensure healthy gums:

Preventing Periodontal Disease:

1. Brush twice a day, and floss at least once a day. It’s so important to make sure you’re brushing twice daily for 160 seconds (two full minutes) each time from a proper clean, and to also make sure you’re flossing once daily, as well. Because when you don’t floss, you’re letting harmful disease-causing bacteria fester between the teeth and below the gum line, which rapidly leads to gum disease (starting with the earliest form: “gingivitis”) – which is why your gums may bleed if you’ve went a while – or even a day – without flossing.
   And when gingivitis progresses into a non-reversible form of gum disease called “periodontitis”, the gums typically darken in colour and swell, and begin to recede and pull away from the teeth. It’s at this stage where the teeth are at risk for becoming loose and falling out. Take it from our periodontist – just floss!
2. Eat for a healthy smile. A healthy diet, especially one that is high in calcium and Vitamin D, has actually been shown to reduce the risk of gum disease. A diet that is lower in processed foods and sugars/carbohydrates is conducive to a healthier smile, overall – so it won’t only be your waistline and mood that benefits!
3. See our hygienist or periodontist in North York regularly. By scheduling a professional cleaning and check-up at Jane Street Dental every six or so months, you’ll be protecting your smile from any stubborn plaque and/or tartar buildup that can accumulate below the gum line and contribute to disease.

Time to schedule an appointment with our periodontist?

When you take great care of your gums, your smile will thank you. Contact us today to book your check-up and cleaning or periodontal therapy visit at Jane Street Dental!