Gum Disease
Gingivitus and periodontitis sound like the names of creatures in a horror movie, but they are common diseases of the teeth and gums. They can be prevented, and with proper treatment and ongoing hygiene, managed and in many cases eradicated.

Gum disease is a common disease in adults. Three out of four adults develop it during their lifetime. Because it begins silently, many people don’t know they have it. However, the signs are there if you look and pay attention. Gingivitus causes inflammation of the gums. Its signs include: red or purple gums, tender or painful gums, gum bleeding (the number one cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis), and bad breath. Gingivitus happens when plaque builds up on teeth and inflames the surrounding gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a much more serious gum disease that can result in tooth loss.

There are several risk factors for gingivitis, including ineffective or poor oral hygiene (not brushing of flossing properly or regularly), smoking and us of tobacco, stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, medication use, and chronic diseases. The good news is, gingivitis is as mentioned preventable and treatable. We stress preventive care through regular hygiene appointments. Your dental hygienist can give you advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as what dental tools such as brushes and plaque removal items work best for optimum plaque removal. You should brush your teeth and gums several times a day for at least two minutes. There’s no need to use a hard bristle brush. In fact, brushing too hard can irritate and encourage gums to recede.

To learn more about gum disease or if you are concern about your oral health, give us a call today. Cobblestone Dental Care in Paris, ON is growing and accepting new patients.