Oral Health Tips from a Downtown Toronto Dentist

February 2, 2023 carltondental

You may have heard that your teeth are only as strong as your gums. It is true that the stronger your gums, the stronger your teeth will be. That is why plaque and tartar are so dangerous: they can build up on the teeth and cause inflammation in the gums.

Periodontal Disease

The most common reason for missing teeth is periodontal disease,” says our team at Dentistry on Queen. “Whether it is one tooth or a few, there are replacement options.”

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup around the teeth. It can lead to inflammation and pain in the gums, as well as loose teeth that are at risk of falling out if not appropriately treated.

According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), 18% of Canadian adults have some form of periodontal disease. If you are one of them, it is crucial to know what this condition is and how it can be treated.

Periodontal Disease: Treatments in Downtown Toronto

Several treatments are available for patients who have lost their teeth due to periodontal disease, including surgery and implants—also known as anchors—that replace lost roots with artificial structures made from titanium or porcelain crowns. Both procedures require an experienced dentist who understands how each option works, so they can help you understand your options and make an informed decision about which course of treatment will work best for you.

Periodontal disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the tissues around your teeth and gums, causing them to become inflamed or infected. It is often caused by improper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing too hard or not flossing at all. You may also experience periodontal disease if your immune system is compromised due to illness or medication use—this is why people with diabetes or HIV/AIDS are particularly vulnerable to developing gum disease.

Symptoms of periodontitis include:

  • Redness around the gums where they meet the teeth;
  • Gums that bleed easily when brushed;
  • Bad breath (halitosis);

 

Taking Care of your Teeth When You Are Young can Help them Last Longer & Healthier. 

  • Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth loss. When you have dental cavities, bacteria in your mouth break down tooth enamel, leading to a hole or cavity that cannot be healed fixed.
  • Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste will help prevent cavities and keep them from worsening if you already have them. It is also important to floss daily. It removes food particles and plaque between your teeth, specifically from spots unreachable with a brush alone.
  • If you notice problems like loose or chipped teeth or gingivitis (inflammation around the gums), it is time to make an appointment with your dentist! We will examine what is going on inside your mouth and recommend any necessary treatments, like fillings or root canal therapy (a procedure used when there is no more healthy part of the tooth left). They will advise about preventing future problems by making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or reducing alcohol intake.”

When you come in for your regular checkups, we will give you tips on improving your oral hygiene routine and preventing severe dental problems like tooth loss and gum disease,” says the team at Dentistry on Queen. “If you need more advanced treatment, we offer scaling and root planing to remove the tartar and plaque that cause gingivitis and periodontitis. And if you do lose a tooth or multiple teeth, restorative dentistry can help replace them.”

Call Carlton Dental today to arrange a detailed consultation!