The high risks associated with gum diseases make the services of the dentist in Bloor West Village who offer periodontal care a necessity for everyone.
Studies by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that adults above the age of 30 are highly likely to have some form of periodontal disease. This is not the best of statistics as it shows the extent to which increasingly more people are suffering from gum diseases with a significant percentage of them not seeking timely treatment. However, the assumption that aging is the biggest risk factor to having periodontal diseases has been proven wrong as there are other factors that make one susceptible to infections. It is therefore not only adults who require professional periodontal care but children and those below the age of 30, equally stand to benefit from preventative measures and timely treatment.
In dentistry, periodontal diseases refer to the inflammatory infection of gum tissues and structure surrounding the tooth. As such, when it comes to periodontal care by the dentist, there is more than the narrow focus on gums alone. Periodontists specialize in the holistic care and treatment of all conditions that arise from gum diseases as well as any factor that affects the gum line or tooth stability. This is primarily why in the field of dentistry, periodontists are known as the plastic surgeons as they have the expertise to handle complicated surgical procedures. As such, for patients who want to undergo cosmetic procedures that will enhance the appearance of their teeth structure and smile, these are the go-for specialists in dentistry, click to read more about the periodontal diseases and why you require prompt periodontal care.
The leading cause of gum diseases is bacteria that thrive on plaque, which accumulates in teeth that then starts irritating the gum tissues. Plaque often begins as the result of poor dental hygiene and is a thin biofilm that accumulates naturally on the teeth. Over time, plaque hardens to become tartar or calculus that is easily identifiable by teeth that are turning to yellow.
The bacteria present in plaque are meant to protect the mouth from colonization by harmful micro-organisms but equally has negative impacts that result in gum diseases. A lot of people, however, never realize they have an infection at the early stages as the symptoms are always mild and easy to ignore. More often than not, it takes a professional examination to clearly point out the realities of the underlying gum disease.
Periodontal diseases first manifest as gingivitis, which is the stage where bacteria in the plaque are gradually building up. Among the most common symptoms at this stage include bad breath, tender gums that become painful when touched, inflammation, bright red or purple gums, and bleeding, especially when brushing. Gingivitis is not only caused by bacteria from plaque, but there are other risk factors that include smoking, poor diet, use of some medication, family history, and changes in hormones during pregnancy, menopause, pregnancy, & puberty.
The good news for patients at this stage of periodontal disease it is easily reversible with timely treatment and maintenance of great dental care hygiene. Periodontists largely use non-surgical therapies for most patients with gingivitis with the aim of restoring the healthy state of the mouth and stop the progression of the disease. Still, there are cases that might require surgical treatment, and this is usually at advanced stages.
The next stage of periodontal diseases after gingivitis is periodontitis, which is where the plaque has spread below the gum line and caused damages to the supporting structures of the tooth. Unlike gingivitis, this stage is hard to ignore as it is marked with severe gum recession, pus between the teeth & gums, loose teeth, constant bad taste in the mouth, and extra sensitive gums that are swollen. Failure to seek periodontal care at this stage can see the condition develop to the next stage, which is advanced periodontitis. At this stage, the risks of losing teeth are inevitable, and the damage that has been caused by the infection calls for specialized treatment. There are lots of treatment techniques that certified periodontists could use to reverse the damages caused, and these are mainly gum grafting, Chao pinhole gum rejuvenation, and soft tissue ridge augmentation.
Researchers at CDC have suggested that there is a link between gum diseases and other conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases. This shows that the necessity of taking quick action against these conditions goes beyond maintaining great oral health but factors in general wellness. Failure to seek treatment for periodontal diseases can make conditions such as diabetes worse, and this can quickly result in complications that are harder to manage. The good news is that under the care of certified periodontists in Toronto, gum diseases will not only be stopped but the damages caused can be reversed. This will, in turn, result in healthier living and beautiful smiles that will last for years.