Periodontics
To help you keep all your natural teeth for life, your general dentists at Dr. David Côté's dental clinic offer periodontics services in Gatineau.
Tuesday : 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Wednesday : 08:00 AM – 05:00
Thursday : 08:00 AM – 04:00
Friday : 07:30 AM – 03:30
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
What Is Periodontics?
Did you know that, contrary to popular belief, cavities are not the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Instead, it is gum disease. That's why we offer periodontal care to prevent our patients from experiencing complications related to diseases that affect the gums and other tissues that support the teeth. Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats problems and diseases affecting the periodontium. The periodontium is the term used in dentistry to refer to the tissues that support our teeth. This includes the gums, the alveolar bone located in the jaw where the roots of the teeth are embedded, as well as the periodontal ligament and cementum. It is the combination of these tissues that allows our teeth to remain firmly in place in our jaws.
Periodontics is therefore the discipline that aims to keep the entire periodontium healthy by preventing diseases that can affect it. The most common are gingivitis and periodontitis, two conditions caused by inflammation of the gums and/or periodontal tissues. To fully understand these two common gum diseases, it is important to differentiate between them.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a mixture of saliva, bacteria, and food debris that the bacteria feed on. Tartar, on the other hand, is formed when plaque hardens and is not properly removed. The bacteria contained in these two substances cause inflammation when they come into contact with the gums.
The signs and symptoms of gingivitis are:
- Red and slightly swollen gums;
- Bleeding gums, most often caused by brushing or flossing.
Fortunately, gingivitis is a condition that can be treated when patients adopt healthy oral hygiene habits and visit their dentist regularly for professional cleaning and follow-up. It is therefore important not to ignore the signs of gingivitis to prevent the condition from developing into a more serious problem.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more severe inflammation that affects not only the gums but also the tissues surrounding the teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria on the teeth and under the gums. This buildup encourages the proliferation of bacteria in the periodontal tissues, which eventually damages them. This damage can destroy the alveolar bone in which the tooth roots are embedded. Unlike the effects of gingivitis, the consequences of periodontitis are irreversible once the bone is destroyed. In fact, bone can only regenerate partially and under certain specific conditions.
As periodontitis can be the result of untreated gingivitis that has progressed to a more advanced stage, its signs and symptoms are similar, i.e.:
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing;
- Chronic bad breath;
- Gum recession, i.e., a withdrawal of the gum from the roots of the teeth, causing them to become loose;
- Tooth movement.
Prevention of Gum Disease
If you have any doubts about the health of your gums, come see us to find out for sure. If necessary, our team of caring professionals will provide you with all the periodontal care you need. There are a few habits you can adopt to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis, including:
Brushing Your Teeth
Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleaning and follow-up exams.
Avoid Smoking
Orthodontics can correct jaw misalignments, such as overbite or underbite.
Healthy Eating Habits
For misaligned or crooked teeth, braces can help achieve straight, attractive alignment.
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