Gum disease is an oral condition that has gained a great deal of attention in recent years. Adults hear about gum disease all the time and yet this dental issue remains one of the most prevalent in North America. The fact that millions of men and women struggle with gum health is not necessarily indicative of a lack of concern. What we tend to find more commonly is the “surprise” occurrence of gum disease in our patients.

One of the most concerning aspects of gum disease is the mild nature through which oral bacteria first begin their invasion of healthy oral tissues. Without regular dental care, it is quite possible that signs of initial infection will be missed. Due to the progressive, silent nature of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, treatment is often aimed at prevention. The cost of prevention in our Calgary office is far less than the effect gum disease could have on general health and wellbeing.

Your experienced dentist has a great deal of expertise in the area of gum disease prevention and treatment. During routine examinations, Dr. Robertson and Dr. Redd carefully examine various characteristics of gum tissue for signs of bacterial accumulation. When patients maintain regular visits twice a year, we have the opportunity to become well acquainted with their teeth and gums, more easily identifying potential problems. Additionally, early detection leads to prompt and conservative treatment through which the activity of oral bacteria is inhibited.

Gaps in regular dental care provide an opening for oral bacteria to move more quickly in infecting gum tissue. Furthermore, symptoms such as chronic bad breath or bleeding gums can be explained away. These are just two of the several primary indicators of gum disease, and they should not be ignored. If a problem like bleeding gums is not addressed with professional care, infection will progress, eventually causing the gums to pull away from teeth.

For most people, taking time out of a busy schedule for professional dental care may seem difficult. We encourage our patients to keep their routine dental checkups and cleanings. The few minutes spent just two times a year has a significant impact on the longevity of oral health. As such, the cost of treatment remains lower than if gum disease is allowed to progress and affect bone and the overall stability of teeth.

There are a number of concerning health conditions that have been linked to gum disease. To preserve health and a bright, happy smile, schedule your dental check up at (403) 800-0818.