How common is gum disease among Canadians? How does it develop?
Sapperton Dental in New Westminster
May 4, 2014
When should I bring my child to the dentist for the first time?
May 6, 2014
Surprisingly, 7 out of every 10 Canadians will develop a form of gum disease in their lifetime. Gum disease is the most common dental problem and it is extremely important to prevent it before it occurs. Luckily, it can be very easy to prevent it.
Gum disease starts when plaque (an unpleasant white substance) sticks to and right below the edge of your gums. If it is not removed properly through daily brushing and good dental habits, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar, which not only promotes bacterial infection but is almost impossible to remove without the intervention of a dental professional.
The early stages of infection caused by tartar is known as gingivitis. As it gets more serious, more tiny pockets of infection form, which leads to puffy red gums and bleeding when brushing. Eventually, the disease can destroy gum tissue, and this puts you at great risk of losing your one or more of your teeth.
