Prevention and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease at your local Ladysmith dental clinic.
Oftentimes when people think of visiting the dentist for check-ups, they immediately think of caring for their actual teeth as opposed to the many other aspects of oral health. But the reality is, when you visit our Ladysmith dental clinic, our dentists are examining the condition of your oral health as a whole—and that goes well beyond the teeth.
The condition of our oral health directly impacts our overall wellbeing and maintaining it requires more than daily brushing and flossing. To ensure optimal health, it is essential to seek regular check-ups and cleanings with your local Ladysmith dentist. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), seven out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease in their lives. At Ladysmith Smiles, we focus on the prevention and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and other conditions affecting the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth.
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontics is derived from two Greek words, ‘Perio,’ which means around, and ‘dontic,’ which refers to teeth—essentially, periodontics concerns the areas around the teeth, such as gums, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone. Periodontal (gum) disease refers to a set of inflammatory and infectious conditions that affect the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. The disease can range in severity from a simple gum inflammation to a more serious disease resulting in major damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth:
- Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and your body’s first reaction to periodontal bacteria. To protect your body from the bacteria found in the buildup of plaque at the gumline, the gums swell with immune cells. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove this plaque, it can harden and form tartar below the gumline, which can only be removed through a professional cleaning. Both plaque and tartar release toxins into your gums and eventually your bones if left untreated. In the early stages of gingivitis you may notice your gum tissue is irritated, becoming red, swollen and/or bleeding easily. Gingivitis is very treatable with professional removal of plaque and tatar followed by continued good home care.
- Periodontitis can occur if gingivitis is not treated. In this advanced stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between the teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. As the body’s immune system fights the bacteria, the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place begin to break down. If not treated, teeth may eventually become loose and may have to be removed. Periodontitis can range from mild to advanced. The mild to moderate stages of periodontitis are essentially an extension of gingivitis but with deeper bacterial penetration in the gum pockets, increased inflammation and some bone loss. In advanced stages of periodontitis, the fibers and bone supporting the teeth completely break down. This can result in tooth shifting or loosening, which can affect your bite and may even result in teeth needing to be removed.
What causes periodontal (gum) disease?
As mentioned, gum disease progresses from gingivitis, where plaque-induced inflammation causes red and bleeding gums, to periodontitis, where prolonged inflammation leads to gum pocket formation and bone loss (potentially resulting in tooth loss if untreated). Gum disease is preventable; however, some individuals may be more at risk of gum disease developing. The following factors may increase your risk of gum disease:
- Inconsistent or inadequate oral hygiene practices.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes in women.
- Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
- Medications that reduce saliva flow or those that cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
- Medical treatments such as radiation to the head and neck.
- Substance abuse.
- Ill-fitting dental restorations.
What are symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include sore gums, bleeding, chronic bad breath, gum recession, discomfort while chewing and in more advanced stages, loose teeth. Gum disease can progress without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so maintaining regular dental check-ups is crucial.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
To simplify, dental plaque is a soft and sticky pale yellow biofilm that can be removed with at-home care such as brushing, flossing and using a Waterpik. Tartar (which occurs if plaque is left untouched) is a yellow or brown hardened deposit that requires a dental professional’s help to remove properly.
How is gum disease linked to heart disease?
While the connection is still not fully understood, dentists and doctors alike are adamant in the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease due to its strong link to heart disease. According to Harvard Health, individuals with gum disease are two to three times more at risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other serious cardiovascular event. Research suggests a strong connection between the increased inflammation in the body that occurs with gum disease and the increased risk of developing inflammatory diseases such as heart disease.
How is gum disease linked to diabetes?
Researchers suggest an “inextricable link” between gum disease and diabetes, though it is not fully understood. There is a two way-link between the two—diabetes can increase the risk of developing gum disease and proper dental hygiene has a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
How is gum disease linked to pregnancy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 60 and 75 percent of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. The increase of two vital hormones for pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone, can cause inflammation to the gums and promote plaque production. During pregnancy, we recommend women increase the frequency of professional dental cleanings and check-ups to help prevent gingivitis and manage the effects of these hormonal changes.
Is periodontal (gum) disease preventable?
At Ladysmith Smiles, we firmly believe in practicing prevention. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups, in conjunction with good oral hygiene practices at home, are key to preventing periodontal (gum) disease. While visiting the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and check-up is a good general rule of thumb, some individuals should be evaluated to see if more frequent dental visits are necessary. Smokers, pregnant women, those with certain health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes may require more frequent visits to prevent oral health complications such as gum disease. Some individuals are also more genetically prone to plaque build-up. If you are unsure how often you should be visiting the dentist, it’s best to seek individual recommendations based on your specific needs during your next visit.
Our team believes education on the best oral hygiene practices is crucial in keeping periodontal disease at bay. During your regular check-ups and cleanings, our team of Registered Dental Hygienists, Certified Dental Assistants and dentists will take the time to explain your current oral condition and discuss specific changes in your dental hygiene routine that will help better support your oral health at-home.
What are my periodontal (gum) disease treatment options?
At Ladysmith Smiles, our primary goal is to control the progression of periodontal (gum) disease using the least invasive methods—this is possible through regular check-ups that allow for monitoring and treatment. Gingivitis and early stages of gum disease are typically treated with non-surgical methods, such as professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). By cleaning and scraping below the gumline to smooth the roots, we can help the gums to naturally reattach to the tooth structure. In cases where the disease has progressed significantly, our dentists may refer you to a periodontist for additional measures, such as flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery), bone grafts, soft tissue grafts or guided tissue regeneration. Following an initial consultation and thorough examination, our team will provide you with your treatment options so you can make an informed decision based on what is best for you.
Why Should I Choose Ladysmith Smiles dental clinic?
We understand that you have options when it comes to your oral health care in Ladysmith, BC and are thankful for the hundreds of patients that trust our team with their smiles. Ladysmith Smiles strives to be more than a dental clinic—we are an active part of the Ladysmith community. Beyond the walls of our dental clinic, our team gets involved with community events, volunteering and are constantly continuing looking for ways to help our community smile more (whether it be a cheesy joke or supporting a local sports team on the pitch).
Our Ladysmith dental clinic utilizes advanced dental technology, such as the iTero 3D scanner, to ensure you receive exceptional, efficient and comfortable dental care. Above all, our team cultivates an environment where all smiles feel welcome and a part of our dental family. To hear what our patients have to say about their experiences at Ladysmith Smiles, click here.
“The team there is excellent. They are caring, making sure you are comfortable and address any concerns that you have. Very friendly!” —Art
“Hands down the BEST dentist experience I’ve ever had. Never before have I had such a thorough examination and subsequent explanation of my dental health. Dr. Cooke was phenomenal, she took the time to review every single x-ray with me on top of actually explaining why things are the way they are and therefore why this matters too keep an eye on with follow up examinations. If going to the dentist isn’t something you feel comfortable doing, the team here in Ladysmith will make it so incredibly stress free. You will feel heard and supported, I could not give them higher praise, but 10/10 to put it into numerical value. Thanks for such a wonderful dentist experience!” —Jenna
“Dr. Stymiest and her team are wonderful to deal with. The team works efficiently and effectively with a high standard of care. I look forward to treatments for myself and my family because I know they are looking out for our best interests. Thanks!” —Michael
Whether you come to us for periodontal services, Invisalign, botox or your general oral health needs, the Ladysmith Smiles team is here to keep you smiling. We are welcoming new patients of all ages at both of our locations: Ladysmith Smiles and Nanaimo Smiles. To become a Ladysmith Smiles patient, please fill out our new patient form today.