Gum disease is a preventable issue that can generally be divided into two broad categories depending on its advancement, namely Gingivitis or Periodontitis.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums, and the disease is only confined to the gum area and hasn’t spread to bone. In Periodontitis, the patient suffers from bone loss, and depending on its extent, the patient may feel pain.
Majority of patients who suffer from gum disease have no pain. However, when there is pain, it is usually too advanced. Depending on the patient’s current gum status, our skilled hygienists, alongside the input of our dentists, may place the patient on a 3, 4, 6, or 9 months re -care appointment. These intervals could change as the patient’s gingival health changes.
Keep in mind that systemic health issues such as diabetes can also affect the health of our gums or vice versa. Studies have shown that patients who suffer from bad Oral Hygiene and gum disease have a harder time keeping their sugar levels balanced. Also, patients with advanced/uncontrolled diabetes suffer from more aggressive forms of gum disease. In addition, it has also been shown that advanced gum disease and bad oral hygiene have negative impacts on the health of the cardiovascular system.