•  
    401 N Railway St Morden MB R6M 1S8 CA

Now welcoming patients with Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) coverage!

Do These Simple Things to Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common issue among Canadian adults, typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Today, our Morden dentists explain how poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease, and what actions you can take to avoid this condition.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease - periodontal disease - is an infection of the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. When you hear your dentist talking about gingivitis, this is the mildest or moderate form of gum disease which only affects soft tissues.

Advanced forms of gum disease can go on to infect bones and supporting structures of the teeth, often resulting in tooth loss if left untreated.

What causes gum disease?

A number of factors can contribute to your risk of developing gum disease, including plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth, hormonal shifts, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, some prescription medications, uneven teeth and even genetics.

Bleeding gums are a clue that you may have gum disease, which is why you should schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice that your gums are bleeding. Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, great oral hygiene every day is a must - to disrupt the bacteria.

If it is left too long, your body will try to rid itself of undisturbed bacteria by sending more blood to your gums. The excess blood may cause swelling, soreness, bleeding and redness. Your body thinks it has infection - this is called gingivitis, and it won't heal until the source of infection is eliminated. 

Bacteria can be found in plaque, tartar or calculus, pockets beneath the gums (in cases of advanced gum disease), cavities, abscesses and chipped teeth. They may also hide in old dental work, as repairs to your teeth create an edge or margin that bacteria can adhere to. 

What can I do to avoid gum disease?

There are no real 'tips and tricks' when it comes to avoiding gum disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene habits, plain and simple.

None of the above-listed factors alone can cause gum disease to develop and thrive. If you maintain a rigorous and thorough oral hygiene routine, it will be very difficult for gum disease to take hold.

For example, while you may be prone to plaque buildup (perhaps due to genetics), as long as you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist as prescribed for regular professional cleanings and checkups, chances are that gum disease will not be able to fully develop.

Whether a pregnancy causes a hormonal shift, you take prescription medication, or are a regular smoker, the most common cause of gum disease is the unimpeded development of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.

Gum disease is generally easy to prevent with a good oral hygiene routine. While the issues listed above can increase your risk - and make prevention more challenging - whether it actually develops comes down to the decisions you make every day about your oral health practices.

Do you have questions about gum disease, or about proper brushing or flossing technique, please contact our Morden dentists today.

Featured Services

Boundary Trails Dental Centre offers a comprehensive range of services for children, adults, and seniors.

Morden Dentist, General Dentistry

Technology

We use dental technology to help identify any diseases before they become a significant issue.

Morden Dentist, Cosmetic Services

Dental Implants

Dental Implants can be a long-lasting solution for patients looking to replace missing teeth and restore their smile.

Morden Dentist, Orthodontics

IV Sedation

Patients may choose this option for simple procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, depending on their level of anxiety 

WayDent, Morden Dentist

Morden Dentist, Contact

New Patients Welcome!

Whether you're in the city of Morden or a surrounding community, we can't wait to welcome you to the Boundary Trails Dental family!

Request Appointment

(204) 822-6259 Request Appointment