Periodontics & Gum Health

When plaque is allowed to build up around a tooth, it creates a sticky layer that leads to infection in the gums. This is called gingivitis. Redness, swelling, or bleeding in your gums are signs of gingivitis.

The next stage is called periodontitis, occurring when gum infection is not treated for an extended period of time. This can lead to the deterioration of ligaments and bone at the root of your tooth. Periodontitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, but factors such as stress, smoking, and certain medications can increase your risk.

If left untreated, periodontitis can allow plaque to spread directly from your mouth into your cardiovascular system, leading to more widespread health issues in your body.

Gums can start to recede from the teeth because of aggressive brushing, trauma, periodontal disease, or even as a result of grinding your teeth. In extreme cases, receding gum is a sign that the jaw bone is deteriorating.

When gums start to recede, even if the cause of the issue is resolved, they will not grow back on their own. Instead, a gum graft may be necessary to cover the gap. Without gums protecting your teeth, the exposed roots are more prone to problems like decay and sensitivity.

If you've noticed your gums have started to bleed, you will want to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine. Ensure you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, brushing gently along the gum line and massaging them as you go. Then, you'll want to thoroughly floss around each tooth, rubbing the strand up and down between the teeth, and getting as far below the gum line as you can.

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, contact your dentist. A periodontal screening may be necessary, as there may be existing bone loss, significant tartar buildup, or even a rough filling that's irritating your gums.

Most mouth ulcers form as a result of stress or physical trauma, such as biting into food that is too hot. Other factors that can lead to ulcers include a weakened immune system, ill-fitting dentures, and in rare cases, cancer.

Regardless of the cause of your ulcer, it may worsen if left untreated. If you notice an ulcer in your mouth, contact your dentist.

It is important to take note of the size, appearance, location, and duration of an ulcer so that your dentist has all of the necessary information to work with. Try to remember if the area was damaged, and make a note of whether it is painful or not.

Red or purple areas in your mouth are often because of inflammation, infection, trauma, or surface blood vessels. Oral infections may appear red and raised compared to the surrounding tissues. This could be caused by issues with your bite and jaw joint, broken teeth, or ill-fitting dentures that have damaged an area of your mouth.

You may be at a higher risk of yeast infections that cause inflammation in your mouth if you smoke, have a dry mouth, or have a weakened immune system. Additionally, blood vessels often become more apparent in your mouth as you age, and they may appear as red or dark purple bumps.

If you notice brown areas in your mouth, you may not need to be worried, these are usually just different pigmentation. If you notice the development of black discolouration, this can be a sign of something more serious, so contact your dentist if you notice discolouration that lasts more than a week.

There are many potential causes of white spots in your mouth, ranging from simple to serious. White spots in your mouth could be because of chronic cheek biting or smoking, repeated rubbing from an ill-fitting denture or chewing on spots where teeth are missing. They can also signify a yeast infection, an autoimmune disorder called lichen planus, or even some cancers.

If white spots are the result of a disease or ongoing trauma, they will likely get worse if left untreated. If you notice white spots in your mouth, take note of their size, location, and how long they have been there. Contact your dentist if they last for more than one week.

If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth, you may be a candidate for gum grafting surgery. This dental procedure takes healthy gum tissue in your mouth and grafts it to the receding gum tissue. It may be able to even out an uneven gum line and reduce the perceived length of the teeth to give you a smile that you can be proud of.

For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to solve the problem.

Your dental hygienist will scrape away any plaque and tartar around and below the gum line and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing.

If you have a more advanced form of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary to reverse it.

There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy that can be performed in these scenarios, including gum grafting, crown lengthening, frenectomies and mucogingival flap surgery.