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TREATMENT
The good news is that gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day for a least 2 minutes – in the morning and before bed-- and floss at least once a day to remove the plaque. Flossing before you brush allows you to clean away the loosened food particles. See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for checkups and cleanings, usually every six to twelve months. Every time you have a dental examination, your dentist is looking for signs of gum disease. In the early stages, you likely won’t experience any symptoms but your dentist will have ways to detect the warning signals. A tool called a periodontal probe can measure the depth where your gums attach to your teeth. Healthy gums attach to teeth just below the edge of the gum. If your gums attach to your teeth below this point, it is a sign of gum disease. Another tool your dentist can use is an x-ray which can identify diseases that can not be seen by a visual dental examination. If your gum disease is advanced, your dentist may refer you to a specialist called a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in restoring or regenerating lost bone and gum tissue.
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Mouth CHECKING YOUR GUMS Check your gums on a regular basis for these signs of gum disease: • a change in the colour of your gums • gums that are red around your teeth • gums that bleed every time you brush or floss • bad breath that will not go away • a taste of metal in your mouth • shiny, puffy or sore gums • teeth that are sensitive for no reason If you are experiencing these symptoms, it would be a great idea to make an appointment with your dentist right away.
