Your General Dentists and Periodontist In Victoria, BC Want To Keep You Free Of Gum Disease!
You may have periodontal disease and not even know it.
We’re not trying to scare you, but… nearly half of adults have it. And may don’t know it. Also known as gum disease and “the silent killer,” it can lead to serious health conditions if allowed to progress.
That’s why you can trust us – your dental health professionals at Pacifica Dental – to spot the signs, diagnose the level of disease, and recommend the right treatment to protect your smile and overall health. If necessary for your individual needs, we work closely with a periodontist in Victoria, BC who will visit you at Pacifica Dental to treat your gum disease. It saves you travelling to an unfamiliar team when you can receive all your treatments in our beautifully appointed office. You can read more about Dr. Fatemeh Karimi, a Certified Specialist in Periodontics, on our About Us page.
What causes gum disease? After devoting many years to research, scientists and dental professionals have found that different forms of oral bacteria are to blame, including Streptococcus mutans. Gum disease develops when this bacteria accumulates. You know it as plaque, the clear and sticky film that you see and feel when it builds up on and between your teeth and gums.
When you develop gum disease, you probably won’t exhibit any symptoms at first. However, as gum disease worsens over time, you will experience swollen, tender and/or bleeding gums. An unpleasant taste in your mouth is also likely. As the disease progresses, other symptoms can include receding gums, loose teeth, and mouth sores.
How serious can gum disease be? An infection can do a lot more damage than just cause inflamed gums, it can destroy the structures that support your teeth – tendons, ligaments, and bone. Ultimately, tooth loss will occur. Scientific research also supports a strong link between gum disease and other serious systemic medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, oral cancer, some cancers, and even Alzheimer’s.
It’s possible to prevent – and even reverse – gum disease, but we have to do it hand-in-hand. At Pacifica Dental, we encourage an easy 3-step preventive measure: brush at least twice a day, floss every day, and come see us, your dentists in Victoria, BC for your regular teeth cleaning and checkups!
If you’re showing signs of gum disease, give us a call right away. We will complete a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, plaque level, bone structure, and check for risk factors. If there’s anything you should be doing differently to keep your smile healthy, we’ll let you know exactly what that is.
Then you can smile with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken all the right steps to preserve your smile and stay healthy and beautiful. Call us today!
Yours in excellent dental health,
Drs. Cristina and Bogdan Coca, dentists in Victoria, BC
