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Gum Disease

Serving Kanata, Stittsville and Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa gum disease - Dentistry at Main

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is the product of poor dental hygiene, and is both easy to prevent and difficult to treat. Being aware of the signs of gum disease, how it develops, and how to prevent it can save you from tooth loss later in life.

Why Gum Disease is Dangerous

To understand why gum disease is dangerous, you should first understand what it is. Gum disease is the breakdown and decay of gum tissue, the tissue which usually protects your teeth and the bone tissue of your jaws. When gum tissue health is compromised, your jaw bone and the roots of your teeth will become exposed, increasing the likelihood and speed of tooth and bone decay, leading to tooth loss.

If gum disease is allowed to languish without attention, not only are you likely to lose teeth, but your overall health may suffer, and abscesses may develop which are potentially life-threatening.

Many patients are not aware of the overall effects of periodontal disease. This condition not only affects your oral health and the longevity of your natural teeth, it also affects your physical health. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. As with any infection, bacteria can enter the blood stream, affecting your entire body. Periodontal disease has been linked to:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Premature birth

Periodontal disease also places patients at a higher risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis, kidney disease, and certain forms of cancer, including HPV-related oral cancer. Research indicates that patients with periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Recent research also indicates periodontal disease can be passed by saliva to other people, such as a spouse or a child.

How Gum Disease Develops

Although this may seem very dramatic, the basis of gum disease is simply poor tooth and gum health, or the buildup of tartar along the gum line. Tartar is hardened plaque, the film which develops on your teeth after you eat or drink, particularly after sugary foods.

However, it is not sugar but poor dental hygiene which promotes tartar buildup and tooth decay. Even if you are vigilant about brushing your teeth and flossing, you may still experience excessive buildups of tartar, which can only be removed by professional dental cleanings.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease prevention is as simple as following good dental hygiene. If you have not gone for a dental cleaning and checkup in the last six months, you should make an appointment with Ottawa general dentist Dr. Ami Barakat so that he can examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay or disease. Basic dental cleanings on a regular basis are usually enough to prevent gum disease when coupled with careful brushing and flossing. However, if you are a smoker you should be aware that you are at much greater risk for gum disease than non-smokers.

Treating Gum Disease

If you already have gum disease, you should seek periodontal treatment immediately. Dr. Barakat may recommend different treatments, depending on the level of gum disease. You may be treated with:

You should also be aware that if you have lost a tooth or teeth due to gum disease, your gums must be healthy again before dental implants can be used to replace your missing teeth.

Please contact our Ottawa general dentist today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barakat, serving Ontario in the Ottawa, Stittsville, and Kanata areas.