Periodontics

Effective Periodontal Care for Gingivitis in Hamilton

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of what is called, “gum disease,” and is treatable if detected. It is usually caused by plaque (bacteria and food) buildup on the teeth. However, if it is left untreated, it may turn into an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth, which is known as periodontal disease (or Periodontitis). This happens when the bacteria travel down the tooth surface under the gums, and onto the roots. This is a more permanent condition that requires more involved treatment, and if it is left untreated, it may lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

At Olivieri Dental Care in Hamilton, we recommend patient-specific oral hygiene maintenance programs to prevent and control gingivitis and periodontal disease and maintain oral health. If we find that you have periodontitis, we have surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including laser gum therapy, which is used in appropriate cases to address your condition

What Is Gingivitis, and What Are Its Symptoms?

Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth along the gum line, and the gums become inflamed and bleed.

Bleeding gums is a common sign of gingivitis, along with:

Gum tenderness

Redness

Swelling or puffiness

Gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, but it is important to address it early. Contact our dental team today to learn more about effective gingivitis treatments in Hamilton.

How Can Gingivitis Be Prevented?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is an effective way to prevent gingivitis. Even if your gums are bleeding and inflamed, it's important to keep brushing your teeth gently to reverse the condition.

You can also improve your oral health by:

Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Avoiding sugary and fatty foods

Drinking water containing fluoride

Stop smoking or vaping

How Do You Treat Gingivitis?

Gingivitis, or early gum disease, can be treated with non-surgical or surgical procedures, depending on the stage of the disease and your overall health:

Non-surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments, which are generally less invasive and more affordable than surgical options, are highly effective for most stages of gingivitis.

Scaling: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and calcified plaque (called tartar, which cannot be brushed off) from around the teeth and under the gums.

Antibiotics: Can be prescribed as a pill or mouth rinse to reduce inflammation and control bacterial infection.

Lifestyle changes: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque.

Antimicrobial mouthwash: Contain agents that can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

How Do You Treat Periodontitis?

Periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, can be treated with non-surgical or surgical procedures, depending on the stage of the disease and your overall health:

Non-surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments, which are generally less invasive and more affordable than surgical options, are highly effective and used initially for most mild and moderate stages of periodontitis.

Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and calcified plaque (called tartar, which cannot be brushed off) from around the teeth under the gums, as well as removing the tartar build-up on the root surfaces deep under gums. This returns the root to its formerly smooth shape, so the gums can re-attach to the root.

Antibiotics: Can be prescribed as a pill or mouth rinse to reduce inflammation and control bacterial infection.

Lifestyle changes: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque.

Antimicrobial mouthwash: Contain agents that can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatments may be necessary for moderate to severe periodontitis, or mild periodontits that doesn’t resolve with non-surgical treatment:

Pocket reduction surgery: Pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery, is performed to treat moderate to advanced periodontits when the infection irreversibly damages the bone around the teeth..

Bone Grafting & Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): A dental bone graft can replace bone lost to periodontits. It is also used when the only option to save the tooth/teeth is to repair the damaged bone.

Gum grafting: Gum grafting, or tissue grafting, is used to restore gum tissue that has been lost due to gum recession, typically a consequence of bone loss.

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