Understanding Gum Disease and Periodontics in Markham
Gum Disease and Its Impact on Oral Health
Gum disease is a term used for an infection that occurs in the bones and tissues that are around the teeth. Another term for it is periodontal disease. There are two classifications for gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a type of gum disease that only affects the gums, while periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis goes deeper than the surface and causes damage to the bone and tissues that provide support for your teeth.
At Forestbrook Dental, our periodontics in Markham services focus on identifying the signs of gum disease early and preventing its progression through targeted treatment and maintenance plans.
Causes
Gum disease often occurs when germs, or bacteria, grow on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains a certain amount of bacteria. When the bacteria present in plaque comes in contact with sugars contained in the foods you eat they form toxins. These can irritate your gums, which causes swelling and bleeding when they are brushed. Over time, plaque hardens and forms tartar which can cause even more irritation to your gums and they begin to pull away from the teeth.
This type of condition often needs ongoing care. Our periodontics in Markham services are designed to manage plaque buildup through both regular professional cleanings and at-home oral hygiene recommendations.
Risk Factors
There are some risk factors that can make you more susceptible to developing gum disease. These include:
- Failure to maintain good oral hygiene on a regular basis
- Using any type of tobacco
- Other people in your family have gum disease
- Medical conditions that weaken your immune system (AIDS, leukemia or diabetes)
- Failure to eat a healthy diet with adequate vitamins and minerals
If you’re concerned about your oral health, it’s best to stay informed and proactive. A regular checkup can help uncover early signs of gum disease and keep treatment affordable by reducing future complications. We can also discuss gum disease treatment costs during your visit.
Symptoms
When your gums are healthy, they look pink and remain firm, don’t bleed easily and fit up snug to the teeth. Each type of gum disease has its own set of symptoms. The signs of gingivitis include:
- Swollen, tender or red gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Gingivitis is not very painful and sometimes symptoms are overlooked and no treatment is sought. The symptoms of periodontitis are more apparent and include:
- Gums that are pulling away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus coming out of the gums
- An obvious change in the way you bite felt in the way the teeth fit together
- Teeth that become loose
All these signs point to a need for professional attention. Our periodontics in Markham team can evaluate the stage of gum disease and create a plan tailored to your needs.
Treatment Options
The most important goals of treatment of gum disease are to help the gums reattach to the teeth, reduce the risk of infection, reduce swelling, and stop the progression of the disease. Markham dental professionals choose treatment options based on the severity and stage of gum disease, how your body responded to treatments earlier, and the state of your health. Options include nonsurgical therapy to control the growth of bacteria to surgical procedures that restore the supportive tissues.
If you’re wondering about the gum disease treatment cost, we encourage patients to schedule a consultation. Our team can walk you through what to expect based on your specific needs.
Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
In most cases, gum disease can be reversed when plaque is controlled. Controlling plaque includes professional cleanings and regular brushing and flossing. Brushing helps eliminate plaque and keep it from building up on the surface of your teeth, flossing helps to remove food particles between the teeth so they do not contribute to plaque buildup between the teeth or under the gum. Antibacterial mouth washes can help reduce bacteria that lead to plaque buildup and gum disease.
We also encourage prevention through related services:
- Protect your smile with dental sealants, especially if you are prone to cavities.
- Identify early signs of oral cancer which can share symptoms with gum disease.
- Address tooth sensitivity, which may be linked to gum recession.
FAQs about Periodontics in Markham and Gum Disease Treatment Cost
1. How much does gum disease treatment cost in Markham?
Gum disease treatment cost can vary based on the severity of the condition. Nonsurgical treatments such as scaling and root planing are more affordable than advanced surgical procedures. A consultation will help determine the best option for your budget.
2. What does periodontics in Markham cover?
Periodontics in Markham includes gum evaluations, scaling, root planing, and surgical procedures to treat advanced gum disease. It also covers maintenance to prevent recurrence.
3. Can I prevent gum disease at home?
Yes. Daily brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash, combined with regular dental checkups, are effective at preventing gum disease from developing or worsening.
4. Are gum disease symptoms reversible?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is often reversible with proper oral hygiene. More advanced stages like periodontitis require professional treatment.
5. Is gum disease treatment painful?
Most treatments for gum disease are not painful, especially when detected early. For deeper cleaning or surgery, local anesthetic or sedation options are available for comfort.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to better understand gum disease treatment cost and prevention, the team at Forestbrook Dental is here to help with expert periodontics in Markham tailored to your unique needs.
