Gum Disease: Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated long enough it will advance to the next stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild infection of the gums, while periodontitis is more serious. Periodontitis begins as inflammation and gets worse over a period of time. To treat periodontitis, our doctors at Vista Dental may need to perform a deep cleaning of the gums to get rid of the condition.

In the early stages of periodontitis, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth. Once the periodontal tissue is gone, it doesn’t come back, so prevention is critical. If your oral hygiene routine is inadequate, your risk of developing periodontal disease increases. In advanced periodontitis, the gums, bones, and surrounding tissues that support the teeth are destroyed. To receive a proper diagnosis of your oral health status, visit our doctors at Vista Dental for a routine checkup.

If you have questions regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Plaque and Periodontal Disease

If you lick your teeth right now and feel a layer of film on your enamel, it may be time to head to the sink (or the dentist) to brush and floss your teeth. As plaque continues to accumulate, it feeds off of the food and beverages that are consumed on a daily basis. When plaque latches onto the teeth, it can begin to wear down enamel. To prevent periodontal disease in any form, it’s important to visit our doctors at Vista Dental for routine cleanings and oral exams.

If your oral care routine isn’t up to par, plaque may be lingering on or in-between your teeth. Because the toothbrush can’t reach all of the built-up bacteria, you’ll increase your risk of developing tooth decay if you don’t floss and rinse with American Dental Association (ADA) approved mouthwash. If you notice inflammation, gums that are sensitive to hot and cold beverages, or gums that are tender to touch, schedule an appointment with us to diagnose and fix the problem.

If you have questions regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are very common, but that doesn’t mean they’re healthy or that patients should have to put up with them. If you see blood when you spit out your toothpaste or sometimes taste iron while chewing, you should schedule an appointment at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat and learn more about gingival infections.

Gingivitis is the medical term for gum inflammation. The gums can be injured by being brushed too hard, which is why patients should only use soft-bristled toothbrushes. But the vast majority of the time, bleeding gums is caused by outbreaks of bacterial growth in the gum pockets. There are always bacteria in the gum pockets, but when they have an excessive amount of food available, they produce a large amount of plaque, which acid gets trapped in. This irritates the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Only a dental professional can clean plaque from beneath the gum line, but brushing regularly can deprive bacteria of their food source. Some people are at increased risk of gum infection, including pregnant women, smokers, and people on blood thinner medications. People with dry mouth are also at risk because saliva plays an important part in washing away food debris and maintaining a healthy pH level.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.