You may have periodontal disease and not even know it.
We’re not trying to scare you, but … nearly half of adults have it. And many don’t know it. Also known as gum disease and “the silent killer,” it can lead to serious health conditions if allowed to progress.
That’s why you can trust us – your dental health professionals at Gordon Street Dental – to spot the signs, diagnose the level of disease, and recommend the right treatment to protect your smile and overall health. We want you to love your smile so that you’ll use it at every opportunity!
What causes gum disease? After devoting many years to research, scientists and dental professionals have found that different forms of oral bacteria are to blame, including Streptococcus mutans. Gum disease develops when this bacteria accumulates. You know it as plaque, the clear and sticky film that you see and feel when it builds up on and between your teeth and gums.
When you develop gum disease, you probably won’t show any symptoms at first. However, as gum disease worsens over time, you will experience swollen, tender, and/or bleeding gums. An unpleasant taste in your mouth is also possible. As the disease progresses, other symptoms can include receding gums, loose teeth, and mouth sores.
How serious can gum disease be? An infection can do a lot more damage than just cause inflamed gums, it can destroy the structures that support your teeth – tendons, ligaments, and bone. Ultimately, tooth loss will occur. Scientific research also supports a strong link between gum disease and other serious systemic medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, oral cancer, some cancers, and even Alzheimer’s.
It’s possible to prevent – and even reverse – gum disease, but we have to do it hand-in-hand. At Gordon Street Dental, we encourage an easy 3-step preventive measure: brush at least twice a day, floss every day, and come see us, your general family dentist in Guelph, for your regular teeth cleaning and checkups!
If you’re showing signs of gum disease, give us a call right away. We will complete a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, plaque level, bone structure, and check for risk factors. If there’s anything you should be doing differently to keep your smile healthy, we’ll let you know exactly what that is.
Then you can smile with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken all the right steps to preserve your smile and stay healthy and beautiful. Call us today!
Yours in excellent dental health,
Dr. Mark Lansdell, your General Family Dentist in Guelph