Periodontal Maintenance

Your gums play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and beautiful mouth. Periodontal disease refers to various gum infections that can destroy the natural support of your teeth. If your gums or the region of your jaw that hold your teeth in place become compromised, it can lead to a wide variety of problems. If your gums recede too far you could need a gum grafting procedure to replace lost gum tissue. Fortunately, Higson Dental Group is Grande Prairie’s authority on maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Why is Oral Hygiene so Important?

Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues facing adults. Afflicting 3 out of 4 people, it’s the main reason for tooth loss after the age of 35. Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental examinations, are the most effective actions to maintaining a healthy mouth.

Dental plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and periodontal disease. This plaque, the sticky, colourless film mainly composed of food particles and bacteria, sticks to the baseline of teeth and gums. If it is not removed, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as tartar.

The best way to remove plaque and prevent tartar from forming is daily and routine brushing and flossing. These may also have a negative impact on your gums:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Clenching and grinding teeth
• Medication
• Poor nutrition

Periodontal Disease

Plaque will get thicker if it is not removed with a proper oral hygiene regime, including daily brushing and flossing, and bacteria will produce toxins that irritate the gums making them red, swollen and easy to bleed.

When left untreated, this irritation causes the gums to separate from the teeth and spaces begin to form. As the disease progresses, periodontitis can cause the supportive tissues to deteriorate so badly that there is a loss of bone and tissue in the supportive structure, which will result in tooth loss.

Preventing Gum Disease

Higson Dental Group can’t say it enough. Routine brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist are the most effective ways to prevent periodontal disease. However, some people will still be susceptible to this progressive disease. Please note that once it starts, professional help is the only chance to stop it.