The Right Time to Address Gum Disease is Now

Gum disease is not something most people want to talk about; it can be difficult and embarrassing to admit there is a problem. But ignoring the situation instead of addressing it is something you will absolutely regret. Having gum disease diagnosed and treated before it becomes more severe, eventually leading to periodontitis, is very important to your oral health. So, what are some warning signs of early stage gum disease and what can you do for gum disease treatment in Toronto?

The most effective treatment for gum disease is prevention; if you can avoid the problem in the first place you can save yourself a lot of time and money down the road. There are very simple steps you can take to help ensure healthy teeth and gums. Brush at least twice daily. Dentists usually recommend brushing after every meal, but understand that that can be difficult to achieve. Flossing daily is also vital to good oral hygiene, it removes the plaque and tartar that can build up in between the teeth and along the gum line. Finally, it is recommended that you visit your family dentist for a thorough cleaning every 9 to 12 months. Taking these simple measures can help prevent the need for gum disease treatment in Toronto.

If you are noticing some of the following early warning signs of gum disease, it is time to make an appointment with your dentist.

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

If periodontal disease is caught early enough, your dentist will likely perform a scaling, a dental procedure that cleans below the gum line, targeting plaque build up.

If you are noticing some more advanced signs of gum disease or periodontitis, it is time to make an appointment with a periodontist. Signs include:

• Bright red or purplish coloured gums
• Loose teeth
• Receding gum line
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Pain when chewing
• A change in your bite

Depending on the severity of the infection, your periodontist may attempt nonsurgical remedies, such as scaling, root planing (smoothing of the root surface and removal of built up bacteria) and antibiotics. For more advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical treatments will be required and may include flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, and bone grafts. The key to successful treatment of gum disease in Toronto is to begin as soon as possible after you begin to display symptoms. While talking about the issue may be uncomfortable, waiting will only make the situation worse.