Gum Care
Healthy gums for a healthy mouth
Healthy gums are essential for maintaining the integrity and health of your teeth. Our services include thorough evaluations, professional cleanings, and personalized treatments to prevent and manage periodontal disease.
Prevention: the cornerstone of gum health
Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are essential for preventing gum problems. Prevention also involves regular checkups and professional cleanings to detect and treat early signs of gum disease. If left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Our proactive approach aims to keep your gums healthy, supporting the longevity of your smile.
Diseases to watch out for
The gums are part of the periodontium, the set of tissues that hold the teeth in place and also include cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Given their external position and protective role, the gums are the most vulnerable of these components: they are subject to constant acid and bacterial attacks. They are therefore prone to developing inflammation (gingivitis) or a deeper and more serious infection (periodontitis).
Gingivitis and periodontitis
Gingivitis
Is an inflammation of the gums resulting from the action of bacteria, particularly those in plaque and tartar (bacterial deposits that accumulate at the base of the teeth). This mild to moderate infection is characterized by bleeding when brushing and flossing. It can also cause localized swelling and redness. Gingivitis, if detected early, is easily controlled. Professional cleaning, including scaling, and good hygiene habits are usually enough to stop the infection. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious periodontal disease.
Periodontitis
Develops when the bacteria that cause gingivitis penetrate under the gums, reaching other periodontal tissues. They then form what are called periodontal pockets, which are bacterial accumulations that cause the gums to recede. At this stage, the disease causes irreversible damage to the structures that support the teeth, particularly the alveolar bone. Periodontitis can be identified by bleeding, which can sometimes be profuse, during routine hygiene procedures, functional pain, swelling, chronic bad breath, and sometimes fever. To treat it, root planing is usually performed, which is a deep cleaning of the gums under local anesthesia. This removes plaque and tartar accumulated on the roots of the teeth, thereby reducing the depth of the periodontal pockets. Other treatments (root planing, reconstructive surgery) are sometimes required when the infection is too deep.
Attention to the gums
During your dental exams, the dentists at Le Dentalis in Montreal pay special attention to the health of your gums. If signs of disease are observed, we will recommend the appropriate treatment. We will also determine the ideal frequency for your routine follow-up appointments.
Giving you a healthy smile: our top priority
Entrust us with the care of your smile and we will always ensure that it remains in good condition. We will give the necessary attention to every part of your mouth, including your gums. Because we know that gum health is inseparable from dental health.