Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease usually starts quietly, but signs can become more noticeable as it progresses. If you experience any of the following symptoms, book a dental examination with Dr. Dan Diamond and our trusted team at Diamond Dental Centre:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness along the gumline
- Bad breath that does not improve after brushing
As gum disease progresses, the gums may begin pulling away from the teeth, making the teeth look longer than they did before. This is known as gum recession and may indicate that the structures below the gumline are beginning to break down.
When left unaddressed, gum disease can become more serious and increase the risk to your natural teeth.
Signs and Risks of Tooth Loss
Once gum disease affects the structures that anchor your teeth, the symptoms and risks can change. Teeth may begin to feel loose, shift position, or develop new spaces between them. Chewing can become uncomfortable and, in advanced cases, a tooth may become loose enough that removal is necessary.
Adult tooth loss carries risks beyond the missing tooth itself. The jawbone that previously supported the tooth can gradually lose density, neighbouring teeth may shift into the empty space, and chewing primarily on one side can place uneven strain on the rest of your bite.
A dental crown may help protect certain teeth that have been weakened by decay or damage. Once a tooth has been lost, however, replacing it becomes the priority.
How Cleanings Support Gum Health
Routine professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, including deposits in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss alone. Keeping this buildup under control is one of the most effective ways to manage gum disease before it damages the structures that support your teeth.
It is worth seeing your dentist sooner rather than later if you notice gums that bleed regularly, redness or swelling, persistent bad breath, recession, or looseness in a tooth. These symptoms may indicate that gum disease has progressed beyond what a routine cleaning alone can address.
Protect Your Smile with Diamond Dental Centre
Our dentists at Diamond Dental Centre in Whitby provide cleanings, general dentistry, and restorative options such as dental crowns for teeth that have been weakened or damaged. For teeth that have already been lost, Dr. Dan Diamond provides dental implants by placing a titanium post in the jaw to support a replacement tooth.
Dental implants require healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the post, which is another reason staying ahead of gum disease matters, even if you have not lost a tooth.
If you are noticing signs of gum disease or are missing a tooth and want to explore dental implants in Whitby, contact Diamond Dental Centre. Our team can assess your oral health and explain the appropriate next step for your smile.