Gum disease is a “silent disease.” Minimal symptoms allow gum disease to go unnoticed until it is advanced. That’s when pain and permanent damage occurs.

How do you prevent gum disease?

At Clinique dentaire La Cité, we’re firm believers in prevention and are happy to equip you with the right tools and techniques to prevent gum disease. Simple measures are often enough to prevent problems from starting or progressing.

Easy things to do at home

• Brush daily using the right technique
• Floss between teeth
• See your dentist regularly
• Manage your stress
• Keep blood sugar under control if you are diabetic

Gingivitis and periodontitis

Swollen gums are usually caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar. This type of benign inflammation is called gingivitis. It’s a reversible condition if you catch it in time. But if you don’t address gingivitis, it can become periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect your pink gum tissue as well as the bone that supports your teeth.

You may experience pain, receding gums, bone deterioration, permanent damage and even tooth loss.

Fortunately, treatment is available, even for advanced cases that have been left untreated for a long time. Treatments include disinfecting damaged tissue using root planing or covering exposed tooth roots with a gum graft.

About half of all adults have signs of gum disease and aren’t even aware of it!

Keep an eye out for signs that your gums are affected. The most common symptoms include bleeding when you brush your teeth and bad breath.

Come and see us if you experience red, swollen or sensitive gums.