There are many interesting parts in our mouths that work together to help us chew, talk, and smile. Our teeth are very important, but they can not do their job if our gums are not healthy. 

When you chew, your gums guard the roots of your teeth and hold them tightly in place. How about when the gums themselves become unhealthy? 

This is called gum disease, and it can cause a lot of trouble, even the need for a root canal. You should see a dentist if you are worried about the health of your gums. An Oshawa dentist office can give you the care your gums need to stay healthy. 

What is gum disease? 

Periodontal disease, which is another name for gum disease, is an illness that affects the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. Plaque, a film of germs that sticks to teeth, is the first sign. 

Plaque can turn into tartar (calculus) if it is not cleared by cleaning and brushing. Tartar makes the gums swell and turn red because it hurts them. Gingivitis is the name for this early stage of gum disease. 

Without treatment, gingivitis can get worse and turn into periodontitis, which is a much worse form of gum disease. When you have periodontitis, the swelling goes deeper into the gum tissue and bone, which can cause you to lose your teeth. 

How can gum disease lead to root canals? 

There is a pulp inside every tooth. Pulp is a soft tissue that has nerves and blood vessels in it. Through tiny channels, the pulp goes down into the roots of the tooth. 

If gum disease gets bad enough, the infection can move through these tubes from the gums to the pulp. This can make the pulp swell and get infected, which is very painful and needs a root canal treatment. 

The signs and symptoms of gum disease. 

Here are some things you should look out for that could mean you have gum disease:

• Gums that are red, swollen, or painful
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• There is pus between your teeth and gums.
• Teeth that are loose
• Receding lips and bad breath (halitosis) 

How to prevent gum disease and root canals. 

Good oral health skills can help you avoid getting gum disease, which is good news. It is best to floss once a day and brush your teeth twice a day to get rid of plaque and tartar. 

For gum disease prevention, it is also important to have regular dental checks and cleanings. At your checkup, the dentist can look for signs of gum disease and clean your teeth well to get rid of any plaque or tartar buildup. 

How gum disease can impact your overall health. 

Gum disease affects more than just your teeth. Research has shown that gum disease can also be bad for your health as a whole. 

Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and lung infections are more likely to happen to people who have gum disease. This is because the germs that make gum disease happen can get into the system and go to different parts of the body. 

The root canal procedure. 

People with serious gum disease will need a root canal. During this process, your dentist will remove the affected pulp from the tooth and fill the tubes with a special material. A crown, which is a cap that goes over the tooth to protect it, is often put on after a root canal. 

Some more tips for preventing gum disease. 

Quit smoking, deal with your stress, and eat well to avoid gum disease. It is harder to fight off infections when you smoke because it lowers your immune system. 

Eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help keep your gums healthy. Getting regular checkups with the dentist and taking care of your teeth can help you keep your teeth and lower your risk of needing root treatments. 

If you don’t brush and floss regularly and fail to keep up with regular dental checkups, plaque may develop on your teeth. Plaque allows bacteria to thrive, and over a period of time, plaque can lead to the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. For gum disease, your dentist may recommend tooth scaling and root planing, which are deep cleaning procedures. Brushing or flossing will not get rid of tartar otherwise. Before you see a local dentist North York ON to discuss further, here are some essential details worth knowing. 

What exactly is scaling and root planning?

Tooth scaling is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar from the teeth’s surface. Tartar is usually visible to the eyes as hardened material close to the gumline. Root planing helps remove tartar and bacterial growth from the roots of teeth. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have advanced periodontal disease to get any of these procedures. Even if your dentist finds initial signs of gum disease, they may recommend scaling at the least. 

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for periodontitis include diabetes, genetics, heart disease, and hormonal changes. Patients who have orthodontic concerns, such as malocclusion, are also more likely to suffer from some form of gum disease. Stress and smoking are other known factors. 

What is the procedure like?

During tooth scaling, your dentist will use a scaler to chip off the tartar on teeth above the gumline. The scaler has a water spray that helps wash away tartar and plaque, cleaning the gums and teeth. A manual dental scaler and scaping device may be used to remove the remaining tartar. Root planing is also similar, except that it cleans the roots of the teeth. The dentist will use a tool to push the gum tissues and expose tooth roots, and using similar scaling tools, they will chip tartar from roots. If the infection is at an advanced stage, your dentist may use an antibiotic medication directly into the pockets. 

Other things to know

If the gum pockets haven’t decreased after scaling and root planing, further surgical treatments may be necessary. The most common surgery is bone grafting, which helps replace lost bone with bone from a donor or lab-made materials. Pocket reduction surgery, also called flap surgery, is used to reduce gum pockets. Soft tissue grafting is also another procedure to treat gum disease after the loss of gum tissues. Depending on the severity of gum disease, multiple dental appointments may be necessary to complete scaling and root planing. 

Are there any risks?

While you may experience some swelling and discomfort after tooth scaling and root planing, the risks are minimal. Your dentist will discuss your health concerns, such as heart disease, to determine whether you need antibiotics to avoid risks of bacterial infections. Some patients also experience teeth sensitivity, which should subside with time. 

What signs should you look for?

You may have gum disease if you experience symptoms like bad breath and bleeding gums. Early signs of gum disease include difficulty chewing food and bleeding from gums while brushing and flossing. In more advanced stages, you may experience receding gums, loose teeth, and sensitivity. If the infection is deep, you may also experience toothaches. 

Final word

Don’t ignore signs of gum disease, considering most concerns can be addressed effectively in the early stages. Also, advanced periodontitis often requires surgery and other complex procedures. Many patients experience significant differences with just scaling and root planing alone. If you still have concerns or want to understand risks unique to you, meet an experienced and reputed dentist in North York without delay.