It might surprise you to learn that gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. It’s true! Periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, claims more teeth than cavities, injuries, or any other dental issue. But here’s the good news: this condition is largely preventable.
Your mouth is home to hundreds of strains of bacteria, many are helpful for digestion and fresh breath, while others can be harmful. The goal isn’t to eliminate bacteria but to keep them in balance.
That balance can be disrupted by factors like:
When harmful bacteria multiply, they form sticky plaque that feeds on sugars and irritates gums. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, periodontal pockets, and eventually damage to the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen or fall out.
The impact doesn’t stop in your mouth. Research links gum disease bacteria to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, and even certain cancers.
We take gum health seriously, not just for your smile, but for your overall well-being. Our team is here to help you prevent and treat gum disease effectively.
While a healthy lifestyle and regular dental visits are your best defense, it’s important to know that about half of all adults will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime. But don’t worry, catching it early makes a huge difference.
The initial stage, gingivitis, is actually reversible. If you notice any of these symptoms, please give us a call right away so we can help:
As gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, you may notice more serious symptoms:
Please know that even at this advanced stage, treatment can still be successful and help you save your natural teeth.
The key is not to delay! We are here to help and want to see you get back to a healthy smile.
While there isn’t a single cure for gum disease, we want you to know that it’s a condition that can be effectively treated and managed. We take a multi-phase approach, tailoring a treatment plan specifically for you. Our goal is to stabilize your gum health and get you back on track.
The first step is always getting the infection under control with a deep cleaning. We will work to carefully remove the harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have built up below your gum line.
Depending on your situation, we can use either gentle manual tools or advanced ultrasonic instruments to clean your teeth thoroughly. In more severe cases, we may recommend a procedure called flap surgery, where we make small incisions to access the diseased tissue for a deeper clean.
This helps re-establish a healthy seal between your gums and teeth, which keeps pathogens out and promotes healing.
During or after your deep cleaning, we might use topical antibiotics to fight the infection or prescribe a course of oral antibiotics. We may also recommend a special mouth rinse to help reduce bacteria or suggest probiotics to restore a healthy balance in your mouth. You’ll also receive personalized guidance on your nutrition, lifestyle, and home care routine. With consistent professional cleanings (usually four times a year), most cases of gum disease can be effectively managed.
Even for advanced cases of periodontitis, there are still excellent treatment options available. We can use bone grafting and regeneration techniques to supplement diminished bone. For teeth that are lost, we can replace them with modern dental implants, fixed bridges, or dentures.
It’s never too late to take control of your gum health. We are here to help you get the treatment you need.
Call Dominion Street Dental in Alliston, ON at 705-410-0961 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you regain a healthy, confident smile!
