Gum Disease Treatment and Gum Therapy Services in Ottawa
Gingivitis is the medical term that is used for inflammation of the gums; the most common cause of this inflammation is the bacteria found in the plaque that continually forms on your teeth.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis or Gum Disease
Gingivitis is essentially an early stage of gum disease and some of its common symptoms are:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath (or halitosis)
- Gums are bright red or purple in colour
- Gums that are tender or painful to the touch
- Bleeding of the gums after brushing or flossing
For a majority of patients, routine dental check-ups and cleanings about twice a year, plus proper at-home dental care between visits, is often sufficient to prevent or treat gingivitis. During these check-ups, the Family Dental Care team will be happy to provide feedback on the condition of your gums and offer suggestions on maintaining or improving your gum health.
Take Appropriate Action to Prevent Tooth Loss from Advanced Gum Disease
In some cases, an inflammation of the gums may advance to the point where it affects the bone and tissue that surround and support your teeth; this is a more severe form of gum disease and it is commonly accepted as the number one reason for tooth loss.
There are several factors that may increase the risk of developing advanced gum disease. These would include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Genetics or heredity
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Pregnancy
- Lack of exercise or physical work
- Poor diet (lack of fibrous foods and vitamins)
- Pre-existing medical conditions (e.g.: diabetes)
- Misaligned teeth that are difficult to keep clean
- Dry mouth (lack of saliva production or a side effect of prescription medications)
Under these circumstances, patients may require further or more extensive gum therapy to prevent bone and tissue loss that can eventually lead to tooth loss. In such cases, Family Dental Care may recommend and provide any or all of the following non-surgical treatment options:
- Changing the number of dental check-ups/cleaning appointments per year so that you get the right treatment for your dental health
- Cleanings done above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar
- Scaling and root planing – completed in the office under a local anaesthetic
- Scaling – scraping plaque/tartar from above and below the gum line
- Root planing – smoothing of rough spots on roots to remove bacteria
The above treatments are customized to your specific needs and provided with your utmost comfort in mind. While these procedures might require more appointments than routine cleanings, they are often enough to address more severe gum disease without going to the added expense and discomfort of surgical treatments.
Choose Our Family Dental Care Clinic for Gum Disease Treatment
If you suspect that you may have gingivitis or a more severe form of gum disease, call the Family Dental Care clinic today at 613-736-5000 or contact us to schedule a check-up and cleaning at your earliest convenience to prevent the condition from worsening.
Effective Gum Therapy Options: FAQs
1. What are the main objectives of gum therapy?
Gum therapy primarily aims to prevent and treat gum disease, reduce inflammation, and promote healing for healthier gums. The goals also include restoring the gums to a healthy state, preventing tooth loss, and maintaining overall oral health.
2. What are some common types of gum therapy available?
Common gum therapy options include professional teeth cleaning (scaling and root planing), antimicrobial mouth rinses, laser therapy, and in severe cases, surgical procedures such as gum grafting. Each option targets different degrees of gum disease or gum health issues, offering tailored treatment solutions.
3. How often should I undergo gum therapy?
The frequency of gum therapy depends on your individual oral health needs. Generally, it is recommended to have a dental check-up every six months. However, those with gum disease may require more frequent visits, as determined by your dentist or periodontist.
4. What should I expect during a gum therapy session?
During a gum therapy session, you can expect a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gum line. This may involve scaling to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line and possibly root planing to smooth out the roots of your teeth. Depending on your treatment type, you might also receive local anaesthesia for comfort during the procedure.
5. Are there any risks or side effects associated with gum therapy?
While gum therapy is generally safe, some patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bleeding in the treated areas. These effects are typically temporary. It’s important to follow post-treatment care recommendations provided by your dental professionals to minimise any risks.
6. How can I maintain good gum health after therapy?
To maintain good gum health post-therapy, practice excellent oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Additionally, visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, maintain a balanced diet, and refrain from tobacco use to support gum health.
If you have more questions or need personalized advice regarding gum therapy options, please consult your dentist or a qualified dental professional. Your gum health is crucial for your overall well-being!